Stellenbosch University
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Department of Ancient Studies

Senior Lecturer: Hebrew and Ancient Cultures
(Stellenbosch Campus)
Ref. LSW04/257/1025

The Department of Ancient Studies at Stellenbosch University (SU) studies the ancient cultures and languages of the Mediterranean, Western Asia and North Africa and offers modules in Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic, Ancient Cultures, Ancient Greek, Latin and Classical Legal Culture.

Duties

• Teaching and coordinating undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Ancient Semitic Languages (with specialisation in Biblical Hebrew) and Ancient Cultures (Ancient West Asian and North African Studies) mainly to students of Theology and the Humanities.
• Postgraduate supervision in Ancient Semitic Languages (specifically Hebrew) and Ancient Cultures (Ancient West Asian and North African Studies).
• Continuously conducting research on the interpretation and translation of Ancient Semitic texts, particularly those written in ancient Hebrew and Aramaic, leading to the publication of research outputs in subject-specific publications.
• Actively contributing to curriculum renewal at the Department.
• Effectively performing administrative tasks and academic leadership as required by the level of appointment.
• Actively involved in research and other departmental activities.
• Active involvement in community interaction projects.

Requirements:

• A doctoral degree in Biblical Hebrew/Ancient Semitic Languages or cognate field.
• A proven record of high-quality published research outputs on a continuous basis in the research areas mentioned above, demonstrating experience and versatility in these fields.
• National and international recognition in the research areas above, as demonstrated by, for example, an NRF rating.
• Significant experience in the teaching of Ancient Semitic Languages, and specifically Biblical Hebrew and the cultures of Ancient West Asia and North Africa.
• Proven experience of successful postgraduate supervision in Biblical Hebrew or a cognate field.
• Flexibility to get involved in the various curricula and modules offered by the Department.
• Proficiency in the use of information technologies in the teaching and studying of Biblical Hebrew and Ancient Cultures.
• The ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Proficient communication and lecturing skills.

Recommendations:

• Demonstrable knowledge of related research areas (e.g. the languages of Ancient West Asia and North Africa, ancient Greek and Latin), with the ability to teach in these areas.
• Proficiency in isiXhosa or another official language of South Africa.
• The ability to function well in a multilingual environment with diverse academic offerings.

Applications must be accompanied by the following:

• A complete academic curriculum vitae.
• A list of at least three referees.
• A one to two-page cover letter where the candidate discusses their experience, research and teaching plans, and potential contribution to the Department of Ancient Studies at Stellenbosch University.
• A teaching portfolio (optional).

Commencement of duties:

01 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date:

10 November 2025

Enquiries regarding this post: Dr S. Masters on 021 808 3203, or at masters@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

The University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan.

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.

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.