Senior Lecturer: Childhood Education
- University: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Education
- Department: Childhood Education
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Job ID: 6583
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Assumption of Duties: 1 November 2026
- Closing Date: 2 September 2026
- Salary: Available on request
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Senior Lecturer: Childhood Education to join its Department of Childhood Education. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, curriculum development and academic leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Childhood Education.
- Supervise postgraduate students in the relevant field.
- Participate in the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning and Teaching Practice programmes.
- Conduct research in Childhood Education and publish in accredited national and international journals.
- Contribute to curriculum development.
- Apply for external research and teaching-and-learning funding.
- Mentor and support junior academic staff.
- Participate in departmental and faculty leadership and administrative activities.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Doctoral degree in Education (NQF Level 10) specialising in Childhood Education and/or Foundation Phase.
- At least 3 years’ relevant experience in a higher education environment.
- Experience in teaching and learning management and/or module leadership.
- Experience as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
- Experience presenting peer-reviewed research papers/posters at national and international scholarly conferences.
- National recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
- An NRF rating or demonstrated potential to obtain an NRF rating.
- Experience supervising completed Honours and Master’s students.
- A proven research record, including publications in peer-reviewed national and internationally accredited journals.
- Active membership of a national/international scholarly society, committee or research-related agency.
- Experience as a PI, Co-PI or researcher in a grant-funded research project within the past five years.
- Experience participating in at least one engaged scholarship project within the past five years.
Recommended
- Experience with different research methodologies and/or data-analysis tools.
- Experience in grant writing and preparing research funding applications.
Key Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Results Orientation – adaptability, reliability and accountability.
- Strategic Thinking – strong planning, organisation and attention to detail.
- Business Acumen – ability to follow policies and regulations and proficiency in MS Office.
- Leadership – ability to lead, provide direction and encourage collaboration.
- Building Coalitions – negotiation, influencing, consultation and collaborative decision-making.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, benefits include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid
- 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 other platforms will not be considered.
Applicants must submit all required documentation, including:
- Detailed CV
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable
- Copy of South African ID or passport
- Proof of current or most recent employment for external applicants
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments, so applicants may need to merge documents before uploading.
Important: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Enquiries
For enquiries, contact 051 401 2558 or email ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Assistance is also available on 051 401 2876 / 9813.
Closing Date: 2 September 2026