Senior Lecturer (5-Year Contract) in the Department of Botany

Senior Lecturer: 5-Year Contract (Grade SL) 

Department of Botany

The Department of Botany invite suitably qualified candidates to join their team. 

Main Objectives

All academics are responsible for disseminating knowledge (teaching and learning), creating knowledge (research), and community engagement, recognizing differences in the execution of these responsibilities within the various departments and Faculties. Academics are also expected to assume administrative, management, and/or leadership duties at the departmental, Faculty, and/or University level and contribute to their profession. 

In addition, a Professor and Associate Professor provide academic leadership in teaching and learning, research, and community engagement and contribute towards the institution's governance. This leadership contribution of the Professor should be evidenced at the departmental, Faculty and institutional levels.

• At least a PhD in Terrestrial Plant Ecology
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels is required
• Experience in teaching some topics related to Vegetation Ecology, Functional Ecology, Population Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology, or Fire Ecology
• Some postgraduate supervision experience, preferably supervision of at least a Master's degree
• Emerging national profile in the discipline
• Track record of research publications and research grant funding in the following fields: Vegetation Ecology, Functional Ecology, Population Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology, or Fire Ecology
• Track record of administration, management, and/or leadership roles (leadership roles may be informal)

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile and further particulars for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required and must be uploaded under the Additional Documents section of the online application form:

• A strong and succinct motivation letter outlining your interest in the post and your suitability for the position. Your motivation must address each job requirement individually, clearly articulate your relevant experience, and demonstrate how you meet each requirement.
• A comprehensive CV which should include the following: -
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information, which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• All relevant certificates.

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system.  Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application please contact hrrecruitment@ru.ac.za.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for the TBC 2026
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum (Grade SL):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum:                          R826 322

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately):             R1 069 564

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a contract post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview.  Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates. 

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies. 

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are: 
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.