Research jobs in South Africa

Position: Lecturer / Senior Lecturer (Peromnes Grade: A8 / A7). Employment type: Permanent. Location: Potchefstroom. Industry: Education & Training. Job category: University and Academy. Remuneration: Market Related.

About Our Company: NWU. Introduction: NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES. POSITION NUMBER: P000768.

Purpose of the position: The School of Physical and Chemical Sciences’ Chemistry Subject Group has a vacant academic position at lecturer (L) or senior lecturer (SL) level with teaching duties in the sub-group Organic Chemistry and research duties (including postgraduate supervision) in the Research Focus Area for Chemical Resource Benefication’s Catalysis & Synthesis Research Group.

• Teaching and learning: teach undergraduate and honours organic chemistry modules.
• Research and Innovation: lead research and supervise students at masters and doctoral levels in synthetic organic chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis.
• Community engagement: interact with social and academic communities in relation to scientific expertise.
• Management and other tasks at subject and research group, focus area and faculty levels.
• Participate in academic and research committees.

Lecturer

• A Master’s degree (NQF level 9) in Organic Chemistry.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience lecturing at a higher education level.
• Academic and/or industrial experience in synthetic organic chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis.

Senior Lecturer

• A PhD (NQF level 10) in Organic Chemistry.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience lecturing at a higher education level.
• Academic and/or industrial experience in synthetic organic chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis.
• Demonstrate an established research track record in surfactant chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis aligned with recent peer-reviewed outputs or industry-facing projects in these areas.
• National and international collaborations.

• Membership with the South African Chemical Institute.
• Community service.
• Post-doctoral experience.
• Candidates whose primary research focus lies in medicinal, pharmaceutical, or chemical biology disciplines will not be considered

• Advanced knowledge of, and experience in, synthetic organic chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis research – knowledge of and interest in surfactant chemistry and associated applications will be advantageous.
• Competency in analytical techniques such as NMR, FTIR, MS, tensiometry, etc. are essential skills for this position.
• Be able to lecture introductory and advanced organic chemistry on a tertiary level.
• Be able to learn various teaching philosophies and approaches in order to apply them during teaching and learning activities.
• Knowledge of and experience in the supervision of postgraduate studies in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Ability to secure external funding.
• Excellent computer skills, which include knowledge of relevant research and teaching software such as MS Office Suite (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as advanced software such as Mestre Suite, Topspin.
• Written language ability with respect to spelling, grammar and punctuation to write scientific manuscripts.
• Excellent communication skills within the scientific community through presentations and publications.
• Demonstration of language proficiency in order to function optimally in the various multilingual environments of the NWU.
• Illustrate potential to obtain NRF rating within the near future.
• Ability to apply theoretical knowledge within the organic chemistry research field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good administrative, planning and coordinating skills.

• Commitment to collegiality.
• Commitment to transformation.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate in teams.
• An innovator who strives for ‘best practice’ in both teaching and research.
• Student orientated, reliable, and a sense of responsibility
• Appreciation of the role of support staff and treating them with respect and dignity.
• Ability to function under pressure.

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Job content: Prof RJ Kriek, Tel: 018 299 2345. Recruitment process: Mr Zenyo Seboko, Tel: 018 299 4951.

16 January 2026. Planned commencement of duties: As soon as possible.

Note: Applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.