Senior Lecturer / Lecturer (Plant Pathology) (One Position) - Department of Plant and Soil Sciences - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
University of Pretoria
UP Posting - Academic
FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES
SENIOR LECTURER / LECTURER (PLANT PATHOLOGY) (ONE POSITION)
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above vacancy.
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent will be responsible for:
- Undergraduate level teaching in plant pathology and basic plant biology;
- Honours level teaching in plant pathology;
- Supervision of postgraduate students in plant pathology;
- Acquiring research funding;
- Conducting and leading research in applied plant pathology;
- Initiating community engagement projects, and engaging in professional development activities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Senior Lecturer:
- PhD degree in plant pathology or a related agricultural field, with prior undergraduate and MSc-level training in plant pathology or related fields;
- In-depth understanding of basic principles of plant pathology and experience in field-based applied plant pathology;
- A minimum of two (2) years teaching experience at undergraduate level;
- Evidence of postgraduate supervision as main supervisor of at least one (1) graduated Masters student in a relevant field;
- A track record of research in the relevant field published in Web of Science-indexed journals;
- Evidence of successful research grant funding applications;
- Intent to obtain a National Research Foundation Rating (NRF) rating in the next three years;
- Valid driver's license;
Lecturer:
- PhD degree in plant pathology or a related agricultural field, with prior undergraduate and MSc-level training in plant pathology or related fields;
- In-depth understanding of basic principles of plant pathology and experience in field-based applied plant pathology;
- A minimum of one (1) year teaching experience at undergraduate level;
- Evidence of postgraduate supervision;
- A track record of research in the relevant field published in Web of Science-indexed journals;
- Intent to obtain a National Research Foundation Rating (NRF) rating in the next five years;
- Valid driver's license.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
- Documented proof of own research outputs in plant pathology;
- Proven academic capabilities in teaching and learning both face to face and in an online and hybrid model environment, research and research supervision;
- Able to seek out funding opportunities and successfully apply for research funding;
- Appropriate language and communication skills, both written and verbal;
- Good knowledge of statistical analyses relevant to agricultural research;
- Be able to collaborate with colleagues within and between departments and foster a constructive research dynamic in the discipline.
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:
- Preference will be given to a candidate with expertise in field-based and foundational disease diagnostics, and a track record of stakeholder engagement and farmer/grower extension;
- While all specializations are welcome, preference is for expertise in oomycete diseases, nematology, or diseases of emerging crops or natural environments to address national strategic needs and complement existing Departmental and Institutional strengths;
- Relevant post-doctoral experience;
- Evidence of successful funding applications;
- An NRF rating;
- Completed formal university level teaching training programmes;
- Being part of existing local or international research networks and collaborations;
- Verifiable involvement in science-based community engagement activities.
The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.
In applying for these posts, please attach:
- A comprehensive CV in the University of Pretoria format;
- Certified copies of qualifications;
- A self-evaluation addressing the minimum requirements, required competencies, and added advantages and preferences. The self-evaluation must indicate the appointment level (i.e. Senior Lecturer or Lecturer) at which the applicant wishes to be considered and then address the relevant selection criteria;
- Outline of intended research programme and how this links to existing research in the Department and Institution;
- Teaching portfolio detailing University-level teaching philosophy, teaching practice, and experience;
- Names, e-mail addresses and telephone contact details of three referees who can attest to your academic and research profile, and whom we have permission to contact.
NOTE: Shortlisted applicants will be required to present a 20-minute undergraduate lecture on a topic that will be provided prior to the interviews.
CLOSING DATE: 14 May 2026
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 July 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.
By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.