Lecturer: Life Sciences and Natural Sciences Education

Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Education -> Department of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology Education Contract Type Permanent Occupational Level Junior Management Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date 28/8/2026 Description KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Natural Sciences and Life Sciences Education and General Education.
• Participate in the Work Integrated Learning programme of the faculty (Teaching Practice).
• Ensure active involvement in the research activities of the faculty.
• Contribute to curriculum development in the field of Natural Sciences and Life Sciences Education specifically and General Education.
• Supervise and provide consultation sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Work in a team with colleagues within the faculty.
• Contribute to leadership and administrative tasks related to the faculty.

Inherent requirements:

Lecturer

• A Doctoral degree in Education on NQF Level 10 with a focus on the Teaching or Learning of Natural Sciences/Life Sciences in schools (for a permanent appointment)

or

• Master’s degree in Education on NQF Level 9 with a focus on the Teaching or Learning of Natural Sciences /Life Sciences in schools as the focus of specialisation (contract appointment: five years during which a Doctoral degree in Education on NQF Level 10 with a focus on the Teaching or Learning of Natural Sciences/Life Sciences in schools MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• Candidates must submit an abstract of their thesis or dissertation to indicate relevance to the Teaching and/or Learning of Natural Sciences/Life Sciences in schools specifically (attach an abstract).
• A formal teaching qualification (e.g. Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent) with Life Sciences as one of the major subjects (attach a copy).
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant working experience in a school environment or at least two (2) year in a higher education or research and development environment.
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Provide evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record (attach a copy).

Recommendations:

• A proven research record of relevant publications in national or international Q1-Q4 accredited journals,
• Experience in postgraduate supervision.

Competencies Required competencies:

• Results Orientated:
• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

• Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

• Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building Coalitions:

• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties:

01 November 2026 or as soon as possible.

Closing date:

28 August 2026

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2558 or email manzanal@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 / 2979 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities.

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.