Senior Lecturer - Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY, GENETICS AND MICROBIOLOGY SENIOR LECTURER 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.

BACKGROUND: The Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM) at the University of Pretoria is one of the faculty’s largest and top-performing research departments. Structured into four divisions

• Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, and Research and Postgraduate Education - the Department boasts a diverse research profile spanning human and animal health, plant-pathogen interactions, the bio-economy, bioinformatics, and biodiversity. With over 50 research leaders, BGM currently hosts 40 postdoctoral researchers and supervises more than 250 MSc and PhD candidates. We serve an annual undergraduate enrolment of approximately 3,400 students across a three-year curriculum. Our core mission is to advance the knowledge base and skills within the molecular biosciences, delivering innovative solutions to critical challenges facing South Africa, Africa, and the global community. BGM now seeks a dedicated academic to strengthen and grow our teaching and research initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will actively participate in the following areas: Teaching and curriculum development. Delivering high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate instruction in genetics and genomics, and participating in curriculum design; Research leadership. Establishing an independent, high-impact research programme, publish scientific outputs, and supervising postgraduate students; Funding and collaboration.

Securing external (third-stream) research funding by fostering strategic local and international partnerships; Strategic participation. Contributing actively to departmental initiatives focused on teaching, research excellence, and community engagement; Governance. Serve on departmental and Faculty committees or task teams as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A PhD degree in the biosciences (NQF level 10 or equivalent); At least three (3) years tertiary-level experience in teaching, curriculum development, and module administration in genetics; A proven track record of peer-reviewed scientific papers as first or senior author in ISI-accredited journals in the broader field of genetics, commensurate with the level of appointment; Demonstrated experience in successfully mentoring and supervising postgraduate students.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES): Comprehensive knowledge of both basic and advanced genetics; Clear evidence of the ability to attract and secure competitive research funding; Proactive drive to collaborate, build research capacity, and establish diverse research networks; Excellent interpersonal and communication skills paired with a student-centred teaching philosophy.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES: Current NRF rating or on-track towards an NRF rating; Digital pedagogy: experience using e-learning platforms and developing audio-visual materials for contact or hybrid learning environments; Expertise in managing and teaching large undergraduate classes (>150 students); Completed postdoctoral research fellowship(s); Research interests that complement or expand, without duplicating, the Department's existing strengths; Documented evidence of active community engagement activities.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted applicants will be expected as a part of the selection process, to present a 15-minute mock lecture on a given genetics topic to staff and postgraduate students in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology. The Department also reserves the right to request and review copies of academic publications (papers/dissertation/thesis) for suitability before a candidate is shortlisted.

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. Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In applying for these posts, please attach: A comprehensive UP format CV; Certified copies of qualifications; Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact; Names and contact details of three peer reviewers (academic and research); Teaching Portfolio; A critical self-evaluation of teaching and research contributions that addresses the above-mentioned minimum requirements and required competencies.

CLOSING DATE: 23 October 2026 No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements. ENQUIRIES: Mrs S Mahlangu, Email: shado.mahlangu@up.ac.za for application-related and Prof JM Greeff, Email: jaco.greeff@up.ac.za for post content enquiries. Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 January 2027, 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 may 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.