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Senior Lecturer / Lecturer - Physical Chemistry

Walter Sisulu University
20 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Mthatha, South Africa

Introduction

Applications are hereby invited for the following position based in Mthatha Campus.

Duties & Responsibilities

FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
SENIOR LECTURER/LECTURER: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
P7/P8 PERMANENT
REF NO: WSU MTH FNS 2026/04

The Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences wishes to recruit a suitably qualified, motivated and experienced academic who will contribute to its teaching, research, and community engagement activities. The Department seeks to appoint a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Physical Chemistry to strengthen its capacity in theoretical Physical Chemistry (including but not limited to Quantum Chemistry, Statistical Mechanics, Molecular Spectroscopy or related areas) across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to curriculum development, programme coordination, and provide administrative support at both Department and Faculty level, in pursuit of academic objectives.
 
Key Performance Areas:
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to, and assess, both undergraduate and post graduate students
    in physical chemistry related fields.
  • Prepare and regularly update curriculums and course material for lectures in accordance with
    SAQA, CHE, and DHET requirements and maintain quality assurance.
  • Coordinate all student programmes within the department as per required standard operating
    requirements.
  • Participate in departmental activities as required, including research, continuous professional
    development, Community engagement, partnerships, and collaboration strengthening.
  • Contribution to teaching and learning, research, as well as community engagement strategy.
  • Contribute towards Faculty and Departmental research initiates.
  • Contribution to curriculum design and development of under to postgraduate programmes.
  • Contribute to Academic citizenship and provide Faculty and University service.
  • Assist with Academic administration and Quality Assurance initiatives.
  • Contribute to envisaged students’ graduate attributes.
  • Coordinate departmental membership in professional bodies.
  • Ability to initiate action and operational research on clinical platform.
  • Supervise postgraduate students.
  • Act as external examiner for postgraduate dissertation/thesis.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Senior Lecturer Minimum Requirements
Qualification:
  • A PhD in Physical Chemistry (NQF level 10) with specialization in Theoretical Physical
    Chemistry or a closely related area, including Quantum Chemistry, Statistical Mechanics
    and/or Molecular Spectroscopy.
Experience:
  •  Minimum of five (5) years relevant experience lecturing Quantum Chemistry/Statistical
    Mechanics/ Molecular Spectroscopy at undergraduate and postgraduate level at an institution
    of higher learning.
  • Evidence of publications or ongoing research relevant to theoretical Physical Chemistry or
    related areas with a minimum of three (3) research output units in the previous three (3) years
    produced in DHET accredited journals.
  • Evidence or proven track record of completed successful supervision at the level MSc or
    PhD.
  • Proof of involvement in community engagement projects/activities.
  • High academic and professional standing.
 
Lecturer Minimum Requirements

Qualification:
  • MSc in Physical Chemistry (NQF level 9) with specialization in Theoretical Physical Chemistry
    or a closely related area, including Quantum Chemistry, Statistical Mechanics and/or
    Molecular Spectroscopy.
  • Registration for or demonstrable research progress toward a PhD in related fields.
Experience:
 
  • Minimum of two (2) years relevant experience lecturing Quantum Chemistry/Statistical
    Mechanics/Molecular Spectroscopy at undergraduate and postgraduate level at an institution
    of higher learning.
  • Experience in MSc or PhD co-supervision will be an added advantage.
  • Evidence of publications or ongoing research relevant to theoretical Physical Chemistry will
    be an added advantage.
 
Skills and Competencies required:
  • Assessment and moderation of student learning.
  • Knowledge of curriculum design and development.
  • Sound interpersonal and communication skills, including a commitment to collegiality.
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
  • Capacity and willingness to assume leadership positions on projects outside the department.
  • Risk and change management.
  • Building strategic alliances
  • Ability to work with Students and Lecturers towards professional development.
  • Knowledge and competency of using Technology in facilitating teaching and learning, which
    includes using a Learner Management System such as Moodle, WiseUp, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype.
  • Emotional intelligence and political sensitivity.
  • Technical / Professional knowledge and skills.
  • Decision-making and problem solving.
  • Competent administrative skills pertaining to research and teaching/serving on Departmental,
    Faculty, and University committees, and executing attached mandates.
  • The ability to scaffold and effectively cascade the vision and mission of the University.
  • Knowledge and competency in teaching with technology/learner management systems.
  • Conduct independent academic research and publish in and with reputable journals and
    publishers.
 

NB: All SUBMISSIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN ONE SCANNED PDF DOCUMENT.

Applications, which should contain a completed WSU application form obtainable at www.wsu.ac.za/vacancies and comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of required qualifications, detailed academic record (with University stamp), abstract of Masters thesis (if applicable), identity document and contact details of three referees,

Closing Date: 28 May 2026                                                                                                                                      

Applicants who have not been informed about the outcome of their application within two months from the closing date may regard their application as having been unsuccessful. Late applications will not be accepted.

WSU is committed to Employment Equity and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply