Associate Professor

Purpose

We seek to appoint an Associate Professor/Professor in the Department of Physical and Earth Sciences within the School of Natural and Applied Sciences. The incumbent will be expected to teach undergraduate and post-graduate level courses in Geography. The applicant will also be expected to develop research programmes and undertake research in their field of interest. A broad-based training in Geography with post-graduate specialisation in GIS/remote sensing applications will be essential requirements for this position. Preference will be given to candidates with proven research experience in GIS/remote sensing. The appointee will report to the Head of Department: Physical and Earth Sciences and will be expected to contribute to the development and growth of the department.

Minimum Requirements

Associate Professor

• A relevant PhD in Geography.
• Proven research experience in GIS/remote sensing.
• Demonstrated ability to attract external research funds.
• A current and sustained research record in the field, as evidenced by publications in accredited peer-reviewed journals, appropriate for the level of appointment.
• Ability to attract and supervise postgraduate students.

Professor

• A relevant PhD in Geography.
• Proven research experience in GIS/remote sensing.
• At least 7 years relevant teaching experience at tertiary level.
• Evidence of managing a research program and some publications in accredited journal/s, as well as postgraduate research supervision.
• Evidence of successful curriculum development and academic management.
• Evidence of active participation in professional, industry and/or community activities.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing quality assurance requirements.
• Excellent computer skills.

Recommendations

Associate Professor

• NRF rating is strongly recommended.
• Mobilized research grant funding.

Professor

• Must be NRF rated if SA citizen/permanent residence or demonstrate the potential for a successful NRF rating application if non-citizen applying from outside South Africa.
• Mobilized research grant funding.
• Supervised Master and PhD students to completion.
• Ability to also teach Environmental Science modules.

Duties and Responsibilities.

Teaching and Learning

• Compile work schemes in collaboration with colleagues.
• Research and utilize new and emerging approaches and technology in teaching.
• The professional preparation of teaching media.
• The professional preparation of notes to supplement or substitute prescribed textbooks.
• Research and selection of suitable reference material to supplement textbooks.
• The facilitation of an effective teaching situation in which the learning experience can take place successfully.
• The upgrading of course content/ development of new courses and/or modules to keep up with the latest requirements of the discipline.
• Student and peer evaluations of teaching performance.
• Apply appropriate assessment methods.
• External examining and invitations to teach externally.

Research

• Develop research projects.
• Apply for research grants.
• Identify suitable candidates to participate in research projects.
• Draw up performance plans for research teams.
• Manage projects to achieve objectives.
• Commercialisation of research output.
• Provide guidance and assistance on research matters.
• Act as study leader of student/lecturer study groups.
• Publish research results.
• Membership of professional bodies to keep abreast of new developments.
• Fundraising and stewardship to donors.
• Explore fundraising opportunities for research projects.
• Work with advancement/grants department (including own team), as well as school and interdisciplinary teams to continually.
• Identify prospects (corporates, trusts, foundations, individuals) as well as high-profile 'door-openers' for SPU's, as well as school research priority projects.
• Compile funding appeals/ proposals.
• Conduct regular evaluation of fundraising activities.
• Post-graduate supervision.
• Recruit prospective students.
• Supervise postgraduate students studying towards obtaining a qualification.
• Ensure that researchers keep abreast with the current research standards.

Community Engagement

• Contribute to community engagement initiatives.
• Integrate community engagement interventions into curriculum.
• Report on own involvement in professional, industry and/or community activities Curriculum.
• Development and Accreditation.
• Contributes to curriculum development.
• Participate in curriculum review and the development of new courses/modules to ensure alignment with sector/discipline norms and requirements.
• Review assessment methods for self and others.
• Revise and submit programmes for accreditation by relevant accreditation bodies Student Academic Development.
• Identify students at risk timeously.
• Develop intervention strategies.
• Provide counselling to students.
• Monitor student progress.
• Make necessary referrals for students, where needed.

Administration

• Keep attendance registers.
• Record student results.
• Assist with the registration of students.
• Supervise tests and examinations.
• Implement policies and procedures applicable to the teaching and learning, community engagement, research, SHE and academic administration functions.
• Participate and chair departmental committees.
• Manage marketing of programmes and aspects of open/careers days.

Quality Assurance

• Contribute to Quality Assurance through committee meetings and submission of relevant documents
• Identify QA feedback mechanism within the school/department
• Monitor the impact of QA recommendations within the school/department
• Implement appropriate interventions Academic Management
• Contributes to policy making
• Set annual objectives pertaining to academic programmes Participate in the review of teaching, research, community engagement and academic administration objectives
• Contribute to the development of academic related decision-making
• Acts as programme leader, mentor and coach
• Management of tutor activities

Personal/ Professional Development

• Keep abreast of developments within own field of study and its implications for teaching and learning, community engagement, research, etc.
• Keep abreast of developments in professional conduct at SPU
• Register as a member of professional bodies to keep abreast of all developments (where appropriate)
• Engage in current professional development activities
• Prepare development plan for promotion to the next level, within stipulated time frame.
• Ongoing development required by professional body.
• Attend conferences, seminars and workshops.
• Present research study papers at conferences.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Develop relevant reports as and when required.
• Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders.

Enquiries can be made via email at

Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. This position may be subjected to assessments.

Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.