Academic Position: Associate Professor/ Professor (Permanent appointment) and Director (Contract appointment: 5 years, with the possibility of serving a second term): Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) (Job ID 6141) – (1834)
Job Overview:
The University of the Free State (UFS) is recruiting an experienced and visionary academic to serve as both Associate Professor/Professor (permanent appointment) and Director of the Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) (five-year contract with potential renewal). This dual role combines cutting-edge academic leadership in geohydrology with strategic and operational oversight of a prestigious research institute. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing groundwater science through research, postgraduate education, industry partnerships, and sustainable innovation.
Job Title: Associate Professor/Professor (Permanent) & Director (5-Year Contract) – Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS)
Company: University of the Free State
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Employment Type: Permanent (Academic) and Contract (Director – 5 years, renewable)
Responsibilities:
As Associate Professor/Professor:
Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in geohydrology.
Conduct and publish impactful research in accredited journals.
Present findings at national and international conferences.
Supervise master’s and PhD students.
Secure external research funding.
Engage actively in professional societies and academic committees.
As Director (Head of Department):
Provide academic, strategic, and research leadership to position IGS as a leader in the field.
Oversee staff management, academic programme development, and accreditation.
Lead financial planning, budgeting, and resource management.
Enhance national and international collaborations and partnerships.
Foster innovation in teaching, learning, and research.
Guide the institute’s research vision and promote a high-performance culture.
Support and develop staff and students, ensuring academic excellence and ethical standards.
Qualifications:
Associate Professor:
PhD in Geohydrology (NQF Level 10).
NRF rating of C3 or equivalent.
Proven publication record in accredited national and international journals.
Supervision of master’s students and external examining experience.
Proven third-stream income generation.
Active editorial and scholarly society participation.
Professor:
PhD in Geohydrology (NQF Level 10).
NRF rating of C1 or C2 or equivalent.
Proven international research leadership and keynote presentations.
Supervision of both master’s and doctoral students.
Editorial role in high-quality international journals.
Strong industry engagement and income generation experience.
Preferred:
Experience with programme accreditation and quality assurance.
Involvement in scholarly journal boards and conference organisation.
Knowledge of DHET, CHE, and NQF frameworks.
Experience with academic change management.
Registration with a relevant professional body or the ability to register.
At least 5 years’ experience in staff and resource management.
Competencies:
Strategic thinking and detailed organizational planning.
Excellent leadership and change management abilities.
Collaborative team-builder and mentor.
Financial acumen and policy adherence.
Effective communicator and consensus builder.
Proficient in MS Office and academic systems.
Benefits:
Pension scheme
Medical aid scheme
Group life insurance
Housing allowance
Paid leave and sick leave
Service bonus
Study benefits
Application Process:
- Submit a detailed CV, cover letter, and supporting documentation (qualifications, academic transcripts, ID/passport, professional registration proof, employment verification, and driver’s license if applicable) online via:
- https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll
- Closing Date: 08 June 2025
- Assumption of Duties: 01 January 2026
For Enquiries: 051 401 9813
📧 PhokaR@ufs.ac.za | Recruit@ufs.ac.za
📞 Additional assistance: 051 401 2979 / 9810 / 9814
Also See: Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor (Job ID: 6132) – (1823)