Professor: Teacher Education
- University: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Faculty of Education
- Department: Department of Curriculum Studies and Higher Education
- Job ID: 6574
- Reference: 2256
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Middle Management
- Assumption of Duties: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 1 September 2026
- Salary: Available on request
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking an Associate Professor or Professor in Teacher Education to join the Department of Curriculum Studies and Higher Education. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, postgraduate supervision, research, curriculum development, academic leadership and the professional development of colleagues within the field of Teacher Education.
The position is suited to an established academic with substantial higher education experience and a strong record of research, postgraduate supervision, academic leadership and external funding.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide formal teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
- Supervise postgraduate students in the relevant field.
- Participate in the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning Programme and Teaching Practice.
- Conduct research in relevant areas of Education.
- Publish research articles in accredited national and international journals.
- Contribute to curriculum and programme development in Teacher Education.
- Apply for external funding for research and teaching and learning projects.
- Mentor and support junior academic colleagues.
- Participate in departmental and faculty leadership and administrative activities.
Requirements – Associate Professor
Applicants for the Associate Professor level must have:
- A relevant Doctoral degree in Education (NQF Level 10) specialising in Teacher Education, either Pre-service or In-service.
- At least 5 years’ relevant experience in a higher education environment.
- Proven research leadership, teaching and learning management and capacity-building experience.
- Experience serving as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
- Experience presenting peer-reviewed research papers at national conferences.
- Experience serving on the editorial board of high-quality national scholarly journals.
- Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
- An NRF rating or potential for an NRF rating.
- Experience supervising completed master’s-degree students.
- A proven publication record in relevant accredited national and international journals.
- Membership of a national scholarly society, national research committee/agency or equivalent international organisation.
- Proven experience in curriculum and/or programme development.
- Evidence of attracting research and/or training grants during the past five years.
- Experience co-leading one or more collaborative research projects during the past five years.
Requirements – Professor
Applicants for the Professor level must have:
- A relevant Doctoral degree in Education (NQF Level 10) specialising in Teacher Education, either Pre-service or In-service.
- At least 7 years’ relevant experience in a higher education environment.
- Proven research leadership and teaching and learning management experience.
- Experience as an external examiner for master’s and/or doctoral students.
- Editorial board experience with high-quality international/ISI/IBSS journals.
- Proven international recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership.
- An NRF rating or potential for an NRF rating.
- Successful supervision of completed master’s students and preferably doctoral students.
- Experience delivering keynote addresses at national scholarly conferences.
- Membership of an international scholarly society or international research committee/agency.
- Proven curriculum and/or programme development experience.
- Evidence of attracting external research and/or training grants during the past five years.
- Experience leading collaborative research projects as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI during the past five years.
Recommended Skills
- Experience using 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 a frequently changing environment.
- Reliability, responsibility and accountability.
Strategic Thinking
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Ability to plan and follow through on work plans.
Business Acumen
- Ability to comply with rules and institutional procedures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Leadership
- Ability to lead, take charge and provide direction.
- Ability to cooperate with colleagues and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Strong negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills.
- Ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and teamwork.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, benefits may include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through other platforms will not be considered.
Applicants must provide:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable
- Copy of South African ID or passport for foreign nationals
- Confirmation of current or most recent employment for external applicants, such as an appointment letter, service certificate or recent payslip
- All documentation specified under the relevant inherent requirements
The application system permits a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are therefore encouraged to combine documents into fewer files where necessary.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Closing Date
1 September 2026
How to Apply
Apply through the official UFS vacancy portal
Enquiries
Telephone: 051 401 2558
Email: ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za / Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Application assistance: 051 401 2979 / 9813