Lecturer (Faculty of Science: Department of Physics)

Job description

Lecturer (Faculty of Science: Department of Physics)

Advert reference: uj_

Advert status: Online

Apply by: 6 April 2025

Position Summary

Job category: Education and Training

Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market related

EE position: Open to all

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future.

Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future.”

To teach, research and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students in line with the university and faculty’s strategy.

Responsibilities:

Teaching & Learning:

• Maintain a portfolio of teaching activities of high-quality reputation and impact across a range of modules or within a subject area to relevant levels (undergraduate, postgraduate and/or higher research degree students through lectures, seminars, labs, and personal supervision).
  
  
• Review and incorporate new approaches to preparing, designing and delivering teaching, learning, and assessing.
  
  
• Actively engage in assessment and reflection of teaching as part of continual development.
  
  
• Lead teaching and learning at undergraduate level, using innovative teaching methods and approaches.
  
  
• Act as an external journal peer reviewer and an External Examiner.
  
  
• Contribute to the development of new approaches to teaching, learning and assessment within the subject area.
  
  
• Proactively involved in developing teaching and learning skills.
  
  

Research:

• Contribute to the department’s research strategy.
  
  
• Initiate interdisciplinary collaborations.
  
  
• Have a record of involvement in postgraduate supervision even at co-supervision level.
  
  
• Have a track record of publications in recognised journals.
  
  
• Develop, and define own research objectives in line with departmental research strategy.
  
  
• Carry out substantive, original, and significant research which supports the departmental research activity in line with your research of interest.
  
  
• Develop methods and techniques appropriate to the type of research pursued that add to the intellectual understanding of the field.
  
  
• Develop a plan for achievement of personal research in conjunction with HOD/Research Leader through the relevant process.
  
  
• Conduct individual and/or collaborative research projects in a variety of settings (laboratory, creative performance, field, clinical setting).
  
  
• Maintain relevance and continual updating of knowledge and understanding in the field or speciality.
  
  
• Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into the course study.
  
  
• Contribute as appropriate to the development of theory and practice in the field research.
  
  

Administration:

• Take responsibility for organizing own activities and for the management of allocated resources, this includes all lecturing related work as well.
  
  
• Contribute to the organization of the wider work area, e.g., as a module leader, coordinate with others such as support staff or academic colleagues.
  
  

Community Engagement:

• Liaise with industry and community organizations, e.g., regarding student placement, cooperative visits; or other activity required by the department.
  
  
• Provide advice to professional and community bodies as appropriate to the discipline.
  
  
• Actively contribute to local community & networks.
  
  
• Contribute actively to conferences and/or participate in workshops, e.g., involvement beyond the role of attendance.
  
  

Minimum Requirements:

• A MSc in Physics specializing in theoretical, computational solid-state physics, which focuses on modelling quantum systems and analyzing their properties.
  
  
• Ability to use MD and DFT as modelling tools.
  
  
• The ability to operate XPS equipment and analyze subsequent data.
  
  
• A good track record of teaching and research with the relevant specialty.
  
  

Recommendations:

• A PhD in Physics specializing in theoretical, computational solid-state physics, which focuses on modelling quantum systems and analysing their properties.
  
  
• Knowledge of university policies, rules, and regulations.
  
  

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Good written and oral communication skills.
  
  
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  
  
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to work with faculty staff, students, and community members as well as organizational leaders.
  
  
• Proven experience in creating campus and community partnerships.
  
  
• Collegial and emotionally intelligent.
  
  
• Innovative, proactive, and creative.
  
  
• Ability to work in a pressurised environment and independently.
  
  
• Great writing and presentation skills.
  
  
• High level of integrity and ethical foundation.
  
  

Working conditions and Expectations:

• May be required to travel between campuses.
  
  
• May be required to travel nationally and internationally for research and presentations.
  
  

Enquiries:

Enquiries regarding job content: Professor Buyi Sondezi (Head of Department) on Tel.

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Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Mr Lubablo Mgedezi (HCM Business Partner) on Tel.

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Your application, comprising a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to, and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of your creative output.

Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements, the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups.

As necessitated by operational requirements, the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised.

If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Required Skill Profession

Science, Research And Teaching