Job Details

  • Reference number: NW08/073/0425
  • Province: Western Cape
  • Type of engagement: Permanent appointment
  • Posted: April 15th

Background to Position

Stellenbosch University

Faculty of Science

Department of Mathematical Sciences

Applied Mathematics Division

Junior Lecturer (nGAP): Applied Mathematics Division (Post Level 9)

(Stellenbosch Campus)

Ref. NW08/073/0425

The Department of Mathematical Sciences in the Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University (SU) consists of three divisions: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. The Department of Mathematical Sciences is responsible for both teaching and research in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at SU.

The Applied Mathematics Division has an active reseach focus in the broad field of artificial intelligence, with research work being done in the following areas: deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, generative modelling, statistical learning theory, Bayesian inference methods and stochastic processes.

This position is part of the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) initiative of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), who funds the position (http://www.dhet.gov.za/ssauf/ngap.html). The incumbent will benefit from a reduced workload in the first three to four years. The additional time available has to be dedicated towards completing a PhD in at least one of the abovementioned research areas of artificial intelligence.

Job Description

Duties:

  • Actively researching and publishing in at least one of the abovementioned research areas of artificial intelligence.
  • Contributing to the supervision of postgraduate students.
  • Teaching undergraduate modules in Applied Mathematics.
  • Teaching postgraduate modules on at least one of the abovementioned research areas of artificial intelligence.
  • Fulfilling departmental administrative roles on a rotational basis.

Inherent Criteria

Requirements: 

  • MSc (with a final mark of at least 70%) in Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science, or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrated aptitude for research in at least one of the abovementioned research areas of artificial intelligence.
  • A good academic record in own undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
  • Experience as a tutor or teaching assistant for an undergraduate module.
  • Good communication skills in English.

Recommendations:

  • None

Application Requirement

Commencement of duties: 

01 July 2025

Closing date:

30 April 2025

Enquiries regarding this post: Prof IM Rewitzky on 021 808 3289, or at rewitzky@sun.ac.za 

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753 (Stellenbosch) / 021 938 9636 (Tygerberg), or at sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za

Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity (EE). In accordance with the institutional EE Plan of the University and that of the specific environment, only South African citizens from the designated groups will be considered for appointment. 

Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post. 

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires people in occupations that entail potential exposure to certain hazards (such as, but not limited to: noise, hazardous chemical substances and hazardous biological agents) to be subjected to medical screening, to determine their fitness to work in the said occupations.

Should no feedback be received from the University within four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.

About Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University (SU) is home to an academic community of 29 000 students (including 4 000 foreign students from 100 countries) as well as 3 000 permanent staff members (including 1 000 academics) on five campuses. ​The historical oak-lined university town amongst the Boland Mountains in the winelands of the Western Cape creates a unique campus atmosphere, which attracts local and foreign students alike. On the main campus, paved walkways wind between campus buildings – some dating from previous centuries; others just a few years old. Architecture from various eras attests to the sound academic foundation and establishment of an institution of excellence. This, together with the scenic beauty of the area; state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facilities and technology, as well as visionary thinking about the creation of a sustainable 21st-century institution, makes for the unique character of Stellenbosch University.