Job Details
- Expires 11 June 0 days left to apply
- Reference number: NW07/089/0425
- Province: Western Cape
- Type of engagement: Permanent appointment
- Posted: May 13th
Background to Position
Stellenbosch University
Faculty of Science
Department of Botany and Zoology
Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Zoology, Ecology, or Evolutionary Biology
(Stellenbosch Campus)
Ref. NW07/089/0425
The Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University (SU) offers undergraduate and postgraduate modules in biodiversity, ecology, evolution, and global change biology. As a research-intensive department, we are committed to advancing knowledge in these fields, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of biodiversity, ecological systems, evolutionary processes, and the interactions between marine and terrestrial organisms and their environments. We aim to strengthen our academic and research profile in terrestrial vertebrate evolutionary ecology. Candidates eager to contribute to the development of this field through innovative teaching, training, and research, are invited to apply for the position. For more on our research focus areas, please visit our website: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/science/botany-zoology/research.
Job Description
Duties:
- Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate foundational evolution and ecology, and advanced behavioural and evolutionary ecology modules.
- Developing a relevant up-to-date lecture series for modules taught within the Biodiversity and Ecology programme.
- Establishing an active research programme and publishing in peer-reviewed journals within the fields of evolution, behavioural ecology, and evolutionary ecology.
- Conducting research and dissemination at national and international conferences or equivalent events.
- Recruiting and supervising postgraduate students in evolution, behavioural ecology, and evolutionary ecology, with an emphasis on terrestrial vertebrate systems.
- Establishing an active research programme.
- Securing research funding.
- Participating in activities promoting Social Impact and Transformation.
- Participating in academically relevant departmental and faculty administrative activities, as required.
Inherent Criteria
Requirements:
- A PhD in Zoology, Ecology, or Evolutionary Biology (with research focus on ornithology or terrestrial vertebrate ecology).
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
For appointment as lecturer:
- Proven experience in teaching undergraduate evolution or ecology as well as Statistics (R environment) modules at tertiary level, at least as teaching assistant.
- Evidence of published research results in international journals in the fields of evolutionary or behavioural ecology, and terrestrial vertebrate ecology.
- Have been involved in mentoring or supervising of students (at least at honours level).
- Demonstrated ability to read, understand and apply R code.
- Knowledge of evolutionary ecology and terrestrial vertebrate ecology.
- Proven involvement in securing external funding.
For appointment as senior lecturer:
- Proven experience in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate evolution or ecology as well as Statistics (R environment) modules.
- Evidence of a sustained publication output in high quality international journals in the fields of evolutionary or behavioural ecology, and terrestrial vertebrate ecology.
- Proven active research in behavioural/ evolutionary ecology and terrestrial vertebrate ecology.
- Demonstrated proficiency in R coding, with a proven track record in teaching statistical methods using R, and a solid background in evolutionary and/or behavioural ecology.
- Evidence of successfull supervision to completion postgraduate students on at least MSc level.
- Proven ability to secure external research funding.
Applicants invited for interviews will be expected to present a lecture on their recent research to demonstrate their knowledge and communication skills.
Recommendations:
- Postdoctoral or appropriate academic/industrial research experience.
- Basic communication skills in Afrikaans.
Application Requirement
Commencement of duties:
01 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing date:
11 June 2025
Enquiries regarding this post: Prof Theresa Wossler on 021 808 3160, or at wossler@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), and appointments will be made in line with the EE plan for the specific environment as well as the EE Plan of the University.
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.
