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:
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Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in geohydrology.
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Conduct and publish impactful research in accredited journals.
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Present findings at national and international conferences.
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Supervise master’s and PhD students.
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Secure external research funding.
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Engage actively in professional societies and academic committees.
As Director (Head of Department):
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Provide academic, strategic, and research leadership to position IGS as a leader in the field.
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Oversee staff management, academic programme development, and accreditation.
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Lead financial planning, budgeting, and resource management.
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Enhance national and international collaborations and partnerships.
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Foster innovation in teaching, learning, and research.
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Guide the institute’s research vision and promote a high-performance culture.
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Support and develop staff and students, ensuring academic excellence and ethical standards.
Qualifications:
Associate Professor:
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PhD in Geohydrology (NQF Level 10).
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NRF rating of C3 or equivalent.
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Proven publication record in accredited national and international journals.
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Supervision of master’s students and external examining experience.
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Proven third-stream income generation.
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Active editorial and scholarly society participation.
Professor:
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PhD in Geohydrology (NQF Level 10).
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NRF rating of C1 or C2 or equivalent.
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Proven international research leadership and keynote presentations.
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Supervision of both master’s and doctoral students.
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Editorial role in high-quality international journals.
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Strong industry engagement and income generation experience.
Preferred:
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Experience with programme accreditation and quality assurance.
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Involvement in scholarly journal boards and conference organisation.
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Knowledge of DHET, CHE, and NQF frameworks.
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Experience with academic change management.
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Registration with a relevant professional body or the ability to register.
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At least 5 years’ experience in staff and resource management.
Competencies:
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Strategic thinking and detailed organizational planning.
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Excellent leadership and change management abilities.
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Collaborative team-builder and mentor.
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Financial acumen and policy adherence.
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Effective communicator and consensus builder.
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Proficient in MS Office and academic systems.
Benefits:
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Pension scheme
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Medical aid scheme
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Group life insurance
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Housing allowance
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Paid leave and sick leave
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Service bonus
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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)


