CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

To facilitate and administer the learning process for students of Plant and Algal Systematics and Evolution in the Department of Botany, Nelson Mandela University at undergraduate and postgraduate level, to do research, contribute to community engagement and to be involved in the core functions of the University.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Facilitate teaching and learning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at high levels of relevance and quality in the fields of algal and plant evolution and systematics.
• Develop and update learning and teaching materials continuously to maintain modules as contemporary and current.
• Evaluate student performance in accordance with acceptable benchmarks and report the same to University Administration using appropriate student assessments.
• Contribute to the generation of new knowledge through involvement in independent research, delivering peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals.
• Supervise the research projects of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Be involved in community engagement programmes and partnerships with conservation organisations, industry, and civil society.
• Take responsibility for aspects of the core administrative functions of the Department, Cluster and University,
• Take responsibility for the administration of the Ria Olivier Herbarium, which is housed within the department.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Possess sound knowledge in the theory and application in the Botanical discipline(s) of Systematics and/or Evolutionary Biology of marine algae and plants.
• Effective facilitation of learning in these discipline(s) in Botany using modern teaching aids.
• Contribute to the creation of knowledge by virtue of publications.
• Experience in engagement with industry, conservation organisations and civil society.
• Have expertise in the effective management and stewardship of botanical collections.
• At the Senior Lecturer level – have potential for leadership in Departmental and Faculty learning and teaching as well as research.
• Display good interpersonal skills, a passion for students and the ability to work well in a team.

REQUIREMENTS

Senior Lecturer

• A PhD in Botany in the discipline of Algal Systematics and Evolution (with a strong marine focus).
• Experience of algal and plant specimen collection and herbarium administration.

• Evidence of successful teaching at all levels.
• A minimum of 1-5 years relevant working experience, including lecturing.
• Evidence of research publications in DHET accredited journals in related fields.
• Evidence of some engagement with industry, conservation organisations and civil society.

Lecturer

• An MSc in Botany in the discipline of Algal Systematics and Evolution (with a strong marine focus).
• Experience of algal and plant specimen collection and herbarium administration.

• Evidence of successful teaching of at least undergraduates.
• A minimum of 1-3 years relevant working experience, including lecturing.
• Evidence of participating in a research team or project.
• Evidence of some engagement with industry, conservation organisations and civil society.

Applicants will be required to present a 15-minute lecture on an appropriate topic to a departmental panel.

For queries: please contact the Head of Department.