Senior Lecturer: Linguistics

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

SENIOR LECTURER: LINGUISTICS

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

• The Department of Linguistics has a vacancy for a suitably qualified candidate for the post of Senior Lecturer in multilingualism, sociolinguistics, systemic functional linguistics, formal/theoretical linguistics, forensic linguistics, communication, (critical) media studies, social semiotics and multimodality, literacy and critical discourse analysis.
• The Department of Linguistics seeks to appoint an individual whose strength and research is in systemic functional linguistics, semiotics, descriptive linguistics and/or formal/theoretical linguistics.
• In addition, the candidate is expected to teach at the undergrad and post-grad levels as well as supervise at the postgraduate level. In addition to this, conduct research that contributes to research in established and emerging areas of the Department’s interests.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the above-mentioned areas of need, and provide leadership and innovation in learning and teaching.
• Leverage their research standing to enhance the profile of the department in relevant academic networks.
• Supervise postgraduate students in the above-mentioned areas of need and mentor students.
• Demonstrated involvement in programme coordination or departmental administration. 
• Representation on Faculty and/or institutional committee.
• Evidence of meaningful, sustained involvement in community engagement initiatives, such as leading or co-leading service-learning, public sector partnerships, or policy-relevant projects. Clear integration of community engagement with academic expertise.

• PhD in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics, or related field.
• 3 to 5 years of teaching experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
• Evidence of curriculum design or significant teaching innovation including the planning and delivery of undergraduate or postgraduate modules. Use of inclusive pedagogical practices informed by student and peer feedback.
• Minimum of 4 accredited discipline-recognised research outputs, including creative or practice-based work where applicable.
• Supervision to completion of at least 2 (two) Master’s or 6 (six) Honours students as main supervisor, or supervision equivalencies as determined by faculties.
• Knowledge of developments in contemporary communication and media and ability to use relevant online learning management systems.
• Proficiency in or ability to work with African languages (this includes Afrikaans).

Recommendations/Added advantages:

• NRF (National Research Foundation) rating.
• National and/or international standing and appropriate in research, teaching, supervision, mentoring early career academics and community engagement.
• Ability to attract or source national or international grant funding.
• Demonstrated active and sustained engagement in academic or professional communities beyond the institution. Involvement should include membership and meaningful participation in scholarly or professional associations, regular contribution to editorial processes, peer review, or leadership in discipline-based networks or working groups.
• Developing leadership roles, such as convening panels, organising academic events, or coordinating scholarly collaborations.

Closing Date

• 30/10/2026