CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

Are you looking for an exciting and challenging career in a rapidly transforming academic institution? Do you want to contribute towards developing young talent to stand their ground in a highly competitive and evolving agricultural sector internationally?

The Agriculture Sciences Program at the South Campus of the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha needs your talent, passion, and commitment to strengthen our teaching and research in eco-physiology, ecological and climate smart agriculture. A vacancy exists for a Senior Lecturer in the Life, Earth, Environmental and Agricultural Sciences (LEEAS) cluster, in the field of commercial sustainable smart agriculture, conservation and agroecology. The purpose of this academic post is to teach and research at the interface of agroecology and alternative food systems for sustainable agriculture, food security, conservation agriculture and multifunctional landscapes, emphasizing the integration of management and science in an agricultural business context. The post will be best filled by a person who has the ability to teach and research across disciplines of agriculture sciences, conservation and game ranch management. If you have what it takes to serve the needs of our students, our region and the South African agricultural sector and your credentials meet the requirements of this position, we invite you to apply for this exciting new opportunity in our Department of Agricultural Sciences.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• To teach undergraduate students in the Agricultural Sciences and Game Ranch program in the broad fields of commercial sustainable agroecology, alternative food systems for sustainable agriculture, food security, conservation agriculture, multifunctional landscapes and any other courses assigned to you by the Head of Department.
• To facilitate student learning at postgraduate level in commercial sustainable smart agriculture, conservation, and agroecology.

• To conduct, supervise and publish research relevant to commercial sustainable smart agriculture, conservation, and agroecology.

• To engage with the agricultural industry in terms of consultation, teaching, and research.
• To perform administrative and management functions in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, as required by the Head of Department.
• To undertake curriculum development for new courses and participate in regular re-curriculation of modules and programme reviews.
• Acquiring research funding.
• Initiating community engagement projects and engaging in professional development activities.

CORE COMPETENCIES & REQUIREMENTS

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrate an understanding of agroecology and alternative food systems for sustainable agriculture, conservation agriculture and multifunctional landscapes as an integrated and complex systems and to work across disciplines within the agricultural business sector.
• A track record of networking with practitioners, researchers, and other stakeholders in agriculture to achieve results beneficial to society.
• A history of conducting applied research in commercial sustainable smart agriculture, conservation and agroecology
• A track record of attracting research funding.
• A track record of published research results.
• Capacity and aptitude for teamwork
• Ability to be creative and innovative in the workplace.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Be able to collaborate with colleagues within and between departments and foster a constructive research dynamic in the discipline.

 REQUIREMENTS

• PhD in Animal, Plants and Environmental Sciences
• Evidence and knowledge in plant Genetics and eco-physiology within commercial land use.
• At least 1 year’s full-time teaching experience in Agroecology or commercial sustainable smart agriculture or conservation agriculture at undergraduate and postgraduate level in both a face-to-face and hybrid environment.
• Successful postgraduate student supervision experience at Honours, Master’s and PhD level.
• A good publication track record in DHET accredited journals.
• Evidence of attracting research funding and ability to initiate and manage research partnerships with external stakeholders (e.g., Industry, Government).

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• NRF rating is an added advantage.
  • Relevant industry work experience outside an academic institution will be an added advantage.