Associate Lecturer in Critical Human Geography

Post Number 968A Faculty/Department University of the Western Cape -> Arts and Humanities -> Geography, Environmental Studies & Tourism Type of Position Permanent - Full Time Length of Contract Period Location Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date 20/8/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

Associate Lecturer in Critical Human Geography

FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES (GEOGRAPHY ENVIRONMENTAL & TOURISM STUDIES)

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) enjoys national and international acclaim for its continuing contribution to democratic change in South Africa and for making quality education accessible to all South Africans.

The Department of Geography, Environmental Studies & Tourism wishes to appoint an Associate Lecturer in Critical Human Geography. We seek a highly motivated scholar from any subfield of Critical Human Geography, who has expertise in critical philosophy and theory of geography.

Applicants should be able to articulate a research program that is rooted in social justice, and combines theoretical work with deep community partnerships. Applicants should also demonstrate research and activism experience, with evidence of writing policy briefs, newspaper articles, website publications, or academic journal articles.

The Department offers a three-year BA degree with two majors in 1) Geography and Environmental Studies and 2) Tourism. We also offer Honours, MA and PhD degrees in Geography and Environmental Studies.

A successful candidate will be expected to make a significant contribution to research, teaching, supervision and overall student development. They will exhibit a sense of collegiality and an ability to work as a member of a team.

Responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the learning and teaching programme at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Supervising Honours research projects.
• Developing a research and publications profile.
• Integrating the effective use of existing and new technologies to enhance teaching and learning.
• Contributing to departmental academic administration.
• Contributing to departmental and institutional community engagement efforts. Minimum Requirements

Qualification and Experience:

• A four-year professional Bachelor’s degree or an Honours degree in Geography, with active enrolment in a Master’s degree – with a specialization in Critical Human Geography.
• At least one year of experience in tutoring, lecturing, or other structured teaching support roles.
• Demonstrated engagement with curriculum-related tasks, such as lesson planning or assisting with course materials.
• Evidence of interacting with student feedback processes or reflective learning practices.
• Participation in at least one research activity, such as data collection, data analysis, literature review, or co-authorship on a publication or report.
• Contribution to a research group, academic project or funding proposal in a support, intern or assistant role.
• Involvement in at least one community-based project, service-learning initiative, public outreach, or partnership.
• Demonstrated early involvement in the academic life of the department and demonstrated early-stage involvement in the wider academic community.

Added advantage would be:

• A MA degree in Geography, with active enrollment in a PhD with a critical Human Geography focus
• Expertise in the critical philosophy and theory of geography
• A research program that is committed to social justice, and combines theoretical work with deep community partnerships
• Demonstrated research and activism experience, with some evidence of writing in blogs, policy briefs, newspapers, or academic journals

Supporting Documents in addition to standard documents as below in application process:

• Cover letter that explains your research interests, community engagements, theoretical approach to geography, and teaching or tutoring experience
• A sample of your writing (1000 words) from a policy brief, newspaper article, website publication, academic journal or seminar paper In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile. To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: e-recruitment@uwc.ac.za. DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.