Professor: Childhood Education- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
- Position: Associate Professor/Professor: Childhood Education
- Job ID: 6572
- Department: Childhood Education
- Faculty: Education
- Location: South Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State
- Occupational Level: Middle Management
- Assumption of duties: 1 November 2026
- Closing date: 27 August 2026
- Salary: Available on request
Job Overview
The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Childhood Education, supervise postgraduate students, conduct and publish research, contribute to curriculum development and pursue external funding opportunities. The role also involves academic leadership, mentoring junior colleagues and participation in departmental and faculty administration.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Childhood Education.
- Supervising postgraduate students in the relevant field.
- Participating in the Faculty’s Work Integrated Learning Programme and Teaching Practice.
- Conducting research in relevant areas of Childhood Education.
- Publishing research articles in accredited national and international journals.
- Contributing to curriculum and programme development.
- Applying for external research and teaching and learning grants.
- Mentoring and supporting junior academic staff.
- Contributing to leadership and administrative activities at departmental and faculty level.
Requirements: Associate Professor
Applicants for Associate Professor must have:
- A relevant Doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Education, specialising in Childhood Education and/or Foundation Phase.
- At least 5 years’ relevant higher education experience.
- Experience serving as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
- Evidence of presenting peer-reviewed research papers at national conferences.
- Experience serving on the editorial board of high-quality national scholarly journals.
- National recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
- An NRF rating or potential for an NRF rating.
- Experience supervising Master’s students through to graduation.
- A proven record of relevant publications in accredited national and international journals.
- Membership of a national scholarly society, research committee/agency or an international equivalent.
- Experience in curriculum and/or programme development.
- Evidence of attracting research and/or training grants within the past five years.
- Experience co-leading collaborative research projects during the past five years.
Requirements: Professor
Applicants for Professor must have:
- A relevant Doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Education, specialising in Childhood Education and/or Foundation Phase.
- At least 7 years’ relevant higher education experience.
- Experience as an external examiner for Master’s and Doctoral students.
- Experience serving on the editorial board of high-quality international/ISI/IBSS journals.
- International recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
- An NRF rating or potential for an NRF rating.
- Successful supervision of graduated Master’s students and preferably Doctoral students.
- Experience delivering keynote addresses at national scholarly conferences.
- Membership of an international scholarly society, committee or research agency.
- Proven curriculum and/or programme development experience.
- Evidence of securing external research and/or training grants within the past five years.
- Experience leading collaborative research projects as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI during the past five years.
Recommended Experience
The following would be advantageous:
- Experience with different research methodologies and/or data analysis tools.
- Experience in grant writing and preparing research funding applications.
Key Competencies
Results Orientation
- Ability to adapt to changing environments.
- Reliability, accountability and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities.
Strategic Thinking
- Strong attention to detail and an organised approach to work.
- Ability to plan effectively and follow established plans.
Business Acumen
- Ability to follow institutional rules and regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leadership
- High levels of motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- Ability to lead, take charge and provide direction.
- Ability to collaborate and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Strong negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills.
- Ability to make decisions through consultation and collaboration.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, UFS offers benefits including:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
Applicants must submit all documentation required under the inherent requirements, together with:
- Detailed CV
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable
- South African ID or passport for foreign nationals
- Proof of current or most recent employment for external applicants
The application system allows a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are encouraged to merge documents where necessary to avoid upload problems.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Apply through the official UFS vacancy portal
Enquiries
For enquiries, contact 051 401 2558 or email ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za / Recruit@ufs.ac.za.
For assistance, contact 051 401 2979 / 9813.
Closing Date: 27 August 2026