The University of Cape Town is in the top rank of Universities in South Africa, and the Department of Mechanical Engineering endeavours to contribute to this reputation. The faculty is home to cutting-edge and impactful research, offering strong internationally accredited teaching programmes to a diverse student body, and is recognised nationally and globally as a major contributor to the development and transformation of society. This is achieved through world class research in niche areas (e.g., structural impact and materials engineering, computational mechanics and fluid dynamics, energy studies, engineering education, among others), as well as through excellent teaching based on sound pedagogical principles. The Department is well established, internationally accredited, and has historically produced some of the country’s most competent mechanical engineers.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is seeking to appoint a full-time academic at the Lecturer level within the materials science specialisation. The successful candidate will be expected to primarily coordinate and convene the BSc Honours in Materials Science Programme in the Mechanical Engineering Department; teach courses related to polymeric, composite, and green materials; and contribute to research in these areas. The BSc Honours in Materials Science Programme is hosted by the Centre for Materials Engineering, an established and accredited postgraduate research centre. We invite suitably qualified persons to apply for this position.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JOB:

• An MSc or an MSc (Eng) in Materials Science, or Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline; and
• At least 3 years’ experience in teaching Materials Science related courses; and
• At least 3 years’ experience in programme coordinating, course convening and postgraduate research project supervision; and
• Demonstrable teaching and research in the field of polymeric, composite, and green materials in higher education, within the past 10 years; and
• Relevant experience in operational management and development of research facilities.

THE FOLLOWING WILL BE ADVANTAGEOUS:

• A track record of research projects, securing funding, and accredited research publications; and
• Contributions to curriculum development at both course and programme level; and
• Currently registered for or have completed a PhD in Materials Science, or Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:

• Convene and coordinate the BSc Honours in Materials Science Programme; and
• Teach students and develop course material in polymeric, composite, green materials, and scientific techniques in materials science; and
• Perform administration and management tasks related to the role; and
• Direct substantial attention to the development and growth of the honours programme; and
• Perform research activities and outputs aligned with the goals of the Centre for Materials Engineering, and supervise postgraduate projects; and
• Participate in the day-to-day running of the Centre for Materials Engineering; and
• Participate in departmental programs and activities; and
• Function both independently and as part of a team, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

The 2026 annual cost of employment, including benefits, is R 974 ,126.

To view and apply for this position, please visit the UCT Jobs site http://www.jobs.uct.ac.za to create a profile and submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

A letter of motivation that speaks to the requirements of the role.

• Please include your research field profile with your application.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of relevant qualifications and ID
• The names of three referees, including their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address, and telephone number

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Mr. Ian Petersen at Ian.Petersen@uct.ac.za or 021650 2163

Closing date: 28th July 2026

Website: https://ebe.uct.ac.za/materials-engineering

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at www.hr.uct.ac.za/hr/policies/employ_equity

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email popia@uct.ac.za.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.