Associate Professor (AC06) (AC.06.3) at University of the Witwatersrand

Brief Description        

• The Wits School of Education is seeking to appoint a suitable candidate at Associate Professor level to contribute to the School’s Initial Teacher Education and postgraduate programmes.
• The suitable candidate will be expected to lecture at undergraduate and postgraduate level, supervise postgraduate research, conduct research, and contribute to the advancement of Science Education as a school subject.
• The Associate Professor will be expected to teach fundamental skills required for all aspects of life sciences and conduct research in the growing area of research in teaching and learning life science in diverse classrooms, pedagogical innovations in the teaching and learning of life science, education for sustainable development, teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge, and developing innovative pedagogies with technology. In addition, successful candidates will be encouraged to collaborate in areas of teachers’ content knowledge and their pedagogical skills, integration of knowledge and skills to enhance teaching and prepare pre-service teachers to fulfil their roles as a classroom teacher in the varying contexts of South African classrooms and secure research funding.
• Exciting possibilities exist for a successful applicant to join us in an established and vibrant community of educators and researchers at Wits. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

• A PhD in Science or Science Education with a concentration in Life Sciences is required for an appointment at the level of Associate Professor
• Demonstrate a record of teaching, research, and service in the education sector.
• Demonstrate a strong research publication record in peer-reviewed and DHET accredited journals and conference proceedings.
• Highly recognized contributions and leadership in Science Education.
• High potential to initiate and obtain funding for the research activities.
• Engages in professional bodies to advance Science Education.
• Candidate must have strong commitment to both undergraduate & postgraduate education and research with ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of diverse people.
• Excellent computer skills and demonstrable knowledge of integrating Information & Communication Technology (ICT) tools in their teaching using simulations or video technology, and the ability to develop digital learning materials.
• Experience in using Learning Management Systems to develop instructional content and expand access to instructional activities.

Teaching Experience:

• Evidence of curriculum development, academic administration and postgraduate supervision.
• Demonstrate depth of understanding in the Science Education field as well as the ability to teach courses in Life Sciences.
• Graduation of at least ten (10) masters and at least four (5) doctoral students.
• Experience with designing, implementing, and testing laboratory activities, coordinating practical science laboratory sessions and implementing research projects. 
• Evidence of initial teacher education experience or teaching at an FET phase in the schooling sector.

Research Experience:

• Demonstrate self-initiated, independent research and ongoing scholarly activities.
• Established research record and output. 
• Evidence of an independent and ongoing research programme. 
• Evidence of grantsmanship external to the University.
• A minimum of 20 DoHET/ ISI accredited publications and as the first and/or last (senior) authorships on at least ten (10) publications.
• Principal investigator on grant applications, recipient of awards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop research agenda, publish in accredited scholarly journals, and secure external funding to support research and postgraduate students.
• Effectively prepare and teach assigned courses according to current and emerging best practices in student learning of life science.
• Supervision of postgraduate students to completion. 
• Contribute to the values of the school: teaching excellence, inclusivity, digital innovation, student success, etc.
• Contribute to the development and teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Coordinate courses and programmes in the school including participating in committees.
• Research based on pedagogy and hands-on active learning using simulations and/sensor-based data acquisition systems.
• An ability and willingness to work in teams and perform other duties as assigned.

Closing Date : 10 November 2025