Lecturer/Senior Lecturer: IsiZulu (Job ID: 6490)
- Employer: University of the Free State
- Department: African Languages, Faculty of Humanities
- Location: QwaQwa Campus
- Position Type: Permanent (or 5-year contract for qualifying Lecturer applicants without a PhD)
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
Job Description
The Department of African Languages seeks an academic specialist in IsiZulu Language, Linguistics, and Literature to contribute to teaching, research, curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, community engagement, and academic administration. The successful candidate will help advance the department’s teaching and research profile while promoting the development and study of IsiZulu language and literature.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching and Learning
- Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in IsiZulu.
- Develop and design undergraduate and postgraduate curricula.
- Facilitate student learning and academic development.
- Assess student performance and provide academic guidance.
Curriculum Development
- Contribute to the development and review of IsiZulu programmes and courses.
- Ensure curriculum relevance and alignment with academic standards.
- Participate in departmental academic planning initiatives.
Research and Scholarship
- Conduct independent and collaborative research in IsiZulu language, linguistics, and literature.
- Produce quality research outputs in accredited journals.
- Present research findings at conferences, seminars, symposia, and colloquia.
- Contribute to the department’s research productivity and reputation.
Postgraduate Supervision (Especially Senior Lecturer Level)
- Supervise postgraduate students.
- Guide master’s and doctoral research projects.
- Support postgraduate student development and research excellence.
Community Engagement
- Participate in community service activities.
- Engage in scholarly projects that contribute to society and language development.
- Promote the use and advancement of African languages within communities.
Academic Leadership and Administration
- Participate in departmental, faculty, and university committees.
- Perform academic administration and leadership duties.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the department and faculty.
Minimum Requirements
Lecturer Level
Applicants must have:
- A PhD (NQF Level 10) specialising in IsiZulu Language, Linguistics, or Literature for a permanent appointment; OR
- A Master’s Degree (NQF Level 9) specialising in IsiZulu Language, Linguistics, or Literature for a five-year contract appointment, during which a PhD must be completed.
- Experience presenting papers or posters at conferences, seminars, symposia, or colloquia.
- Evidence of manuscripts with publication potential.
- A strong academic record.
Senior Lecturer Level
Applicants must have:
- A PhD (NQF Level 10) specialising in IsiZulu Language, Linguistics, or Literature.
- Experience supervising postgraduate students.
- Experience presenting research at national and international conferences.
- National recognition in a specialised area of scholarship.
- NRF rating or demonstrated potential to obtain one.
- Successful supervision of graduated master’s students.
- A strong publication record in accredited peer-reviewed journals.
- Service to scholarly societies, committees, or research bodies.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience
- PhD in IsiZulu Language, Linguistics, or Literature.
- Experience supervising postgraduate students.
- Strong research and publication profile.
Required Competencies
Results Orientation
- Adaptability to changing academic environments.
- Reliability and accountability.
Strategic Thinking
- Strong planning and organisational skills.
- Ability to manage academic responsibilities effectively.
Business Acumen
- Compliance with university policies and procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Leadership
- Ability to lead academic initiatives and provide direction.
Relationship Building
- Sensitivity to diverse student and stakeholder needs.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and communities