NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS)

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES

POSITION NUMBER: P000692

POSITION: ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

PEROMNES GRADE: A6

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

To appoint an established academic at Associate Professor level with recognised expertise and a strong research track record specifically in molecular biology as applied to human health and disease. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in molecular biology within the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS). He/she will establish and lead a competitive research programme supporting the research agenda of Biomedical and Molecular Metabolism Research (BioMMet), strengthen the molecular biology component of collaborative research projects, supervise postgraduate students, and teach molecular biology and related biochemistry at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Applicants must demonstrate substantial expertise in molecular biology; a general biochemistry background alone will not meet the requirements of the position. Apart from teaching and learning (within the SPCS), a significant contribution is to be made to research and/or professional activities (within BioMMet), and to share relevant skills and expertise in support of community engagement initiatives.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A PhD in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology (NQF level 10).
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in teaching and learning at undergraduate and graduate level.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in postgraduate supervision and training, with experience as a head supervisor/promoter.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ research experience with evidence of being an active researcher, as demonstrated by a progressing H-index or NRF rating.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Membership with the South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SASBMB).

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced knowledge of biochemistry, molecular biology and human cell biology, with a strong understanding of their application to human health and disease.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction and quality assessment, PCR, quantitative PCR, gene-expression analysis, cloning, genotyping, sequencing and protein-expression analysis.
• Experience with advanced molecular approaches, such as next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics, gene editing, functional genomics or other relevant omics technologies.
• Ability to establish, lead and strategically develop a strong molecular biology research programme within Biomedical and Molecular Metabolism Research (BioMMet).
• Ability to teach molecular biology and biochemistry effectively at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including the development of relevant theoretical and practical teaching material.
• Demonstrated experience successfully supervising postgraduate students to completion.
• Have a strong, sustained publication record in accredited high-impact or Web of Science-listed journals.
• Have a steadily progressing H-index, existing NRF rating or willing to obtain a NRF rating within the near future.
• Excellent computer skills for HED, administration and research dissemination.
• Language proficient in a multi-lingual environment.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team.
• Ability to function under pressure.
• Natural innovator who strives for ‘best practice’ in both teaching and research.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Teaching and Learning
2. Research
3. Community engagement
4.  Management

REMUNERATION:

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

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof Cobus Kriek, Tel: 018 299 2345

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Ms. Dolly Lebepe, Tel: 018 299 4936

CLOSING DATE: 08 September 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

Kindly take 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 principles of 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.

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