Lecturer/Senior Lecturer- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
Job Title: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Faculty: Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Department: Microbiology and Biochemistry
Research Focus: Virology
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
Job ID: 6669
Reference Number: 2343
Employment Type: Permanent (with a five-year contract appointment option for Lecturer candidates who hold a Master’s degree and must complete a PhD)
Occupational Level: Junior Management
Assumption of Duty: 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing Date: 13 November 2026
Salary: Available on request
Job Description
The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching and research activities in the field of Microbiology, with a special focus on virology.
The role involves presenting undergraduate and postgraduate modules, supervising postgraduate students, conducting research, publishing scientific findings and contributing to the growth of the Department’s Virology Research Group.
Candidates may be appointed at Lecturer or Senior Lecturer level, depending on their qualifications, academic experience, research achievements and ability to meet the requirements for the respective position.
Key Responsibilities
Lecturer Responsibilities
The appointed Lecturer will be expected to:
Present undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Microbiology.
Participate in undergraduate and postgraduate laboratory teaching and training.
Join and actively contribute to the Department’s established Virology Research Group.
Participate in ongoing research programmes within the group.
Contribute to collaborative research projects.
Provide supervision and mentorship to postgraduate students.
Publish research findings in peer-reviewed, DHET-accredited journals.
Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings.
Assist in securing research funding in collaboration with members of the Virology Research Group.
Participate in departmental administration, community engagement and other academic activities.
Senior Lecturer Responsibilities
The appointed Senior Lecturer will be expected to:
Present undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Microbiology.
Supervise and mentor postgraduate students.
Play a leading role in the Department’s Virology Research Group.
Contribute to the strategic growth and sustainability of the research group.
Strengthen collaborative research and postgraduate training.
Maintain an active research programme aligned with the Department’s virology research agenda.
Publish regularly in nationally and internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.
Assist in securing external research funding and managing funded projects.
Establish and maintain national and international research collaborations.
Participate in curriculum development.
Contribute to departmental administration and University governance structures.
Requirements and Qualifications
The requirements differ according to the level of appointment.
Lecturer Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
– A PhD at NQF Level 10 in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases or a closely related discipline for a permanent appointment.
OR
– A Master’s degree at NQF Level 9 in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases or a closely related discipline.
Applicants appointed on the basis of a Master’s degree will receive a five-year contract appointment. They must obtain a PhD at NQF Level 10 in one of the specified or closely related disciplines during this period to be converted to a permanent appointment.
Additional requirements include:
Demonstrated background in virology and/or virus-host interactions.
Proven experience presenting posters or oral presentations at conferences or through equivalent activities.
Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
A good academic record must be attached if the applicant has not enrolled for or obtained a PhD.
Senior Lecturer Requirements
Applicants applying for the Senior Lecturer position must have:
A PhD at NQF Level 10 in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases or a closely related discipline.
Relevant university teaching experience and/or postdoctoral research experience.
Proven experience presenting papers or posters at national scholarly conferences.
Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
An NRF rating or demonstrated potential to obtain an NRF rating.
Proven experience supervising graduated Master’s degree students.
A research record demonstrating relevant publications in peer-reviewed national and international accredited scientific journals.
Proven experience serving as an active member of a national or international scholarly society, committee or agency concerned with research at higher-education level.
Recommended Experience and Additional Advantages
Lecturer
The following will be advantageous:
A PhD at NQF Level 10 in one of the specified disciplines.
Demonstrated ability to work within a collaborative research team.
Willingness and ability to contribute to and strengthen the Department’s established Virology Research Group.
Postdoctoral experience in virology.
Experience in molecular virology, cell culture, genomics, bioinformatics or advanced molecular techniques.
Evidence of participation in collaborative research projects.
Potential for postgraduate supervision and mentorship.
Senior Lecturer
Additional advantages include:
Willingness and ability to strengthen the Department’s Virology Research Group.
Post-PhD experience in molecular virology, viral genomics, viral evolution, pathogen surveillance or viral immunology.
Evidence of success in attracting research funding through collaborative programmes.
Experience co-supervising or supervising Master’s and/or doctoral students.
Active participation in national and international research networks.
Emerging national recognition in a specialised area of virology.
Required Competencies and Skills
The University requires candidates to demonstrate the following competencies:
1. Results Orientated
Ability to set high standards and establish challenging goals.
Ability to work towards achieving successful outcomes.
Reliability, responsibility and dependability.
2. Strategic Thinking
Ability to manage several activities simultaneously.
Strong analytical and logical problem-solving skills.
Ability to evaluate information and address workplace challenges effectively.
3. Business Acumen
Ability to follow rules, policies and work regulations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
4. Leading
High levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
Ability to cooperate with colleagues and encourage teamwork.
Positive attitude and willingness to work collaboratively.
5. Building Coalitions
Confidence and ability to interact comfortably in different social and professional situations.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships.
Salary and Fringe Benefits
The salary for this position is available on request.
Successful candidates may qualify for the following fringe benefits, subject to the applicable conditions:
Pension scheme.
Medical aid scheme.
Group life insurance.
Housing allowance.
Leave and sick leave.
Service bonus.
Study benefits.