Lecturer: Physics & Astronomy

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

• The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university, rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. UWC actively responds in critical and creative ways to the development needs of the country, within an ever-changing and challenging global context.
• The Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of the Western Cape is internationally recognised for its excellence in teaching and research. The Faculty comprises nine academic departments, a School of Pharmacy and a number of world-class research institutes and centres. The Faculty offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the major scientific disciplines and a professional degree in Pharmacy.
• The Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts active research groups in Physics and Astronomy and plays a key role in postgraduate training and undergraduate teaching within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The Department invites applications for a permanent academic position at the level of Lecturer in its Astronomy Group.

The UWC Astronomy Group conducts internationally leading research with strong links to national and global facilities. Current research interests include:

• Extragalactic astronomy and galaxy evolution
• Large-scale structure and cosmology
• Radio astronomy, including MeerKAT and SKA-related science
• Optical astronomy, including LSST
• Machine learning and computational astrophysics
• With an extensive network of national and international collaborators, the UWC Astronomy Group plays a leadership role within the MeerKAT and SKA communities. Group members are integral to projects such as MeerKLASS, MIGHTEE, and LADUMA, and our team includes two South African LSST Principal Investigators.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key areas:

• Conduct high-quality, independent research.
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Supervise postgraduate students.
• Participate in the academic administration of the Department, Faculty and University.
• Contribute to curriculum development and academic leadership.

Minimum Requirements

For the post of Lecturer, the following minimum requirements shall apply:

• MSc in Physics or related fields and currently registered for a PhD with clear plans of completion.
• Evidence of relevant high-quality research outputs.
• Teaching or tutoring experience at undergraduate level.
• Experience in postgraduate research supervision at Honours level.
• Evidence of active participation in community engagement activity integrated with learning and teaching and/or research.

Key Competencies:

• Adaptability and the ability to operate in a diverse environment.
• Ability and interest to supervise postgraduate students.
• Planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and skills in the discipline and in the core strategic areas.
• Scholarship and community engagement.

Advantages:

• Experience in using MeerKAT data.

Closing Date

• 20/12/2026