Lecturer: New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) (Faculty of Science: Academy for Computer Science and Engineering Software)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".
Job description
“Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
Departmental Synopsis.
The Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering (ACSSE), within the Faculty of Science, offers accredited undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Computer Science, Informatics, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. The Academy consists of two academic streams, Computer Science & Informatics. It also comprises the Centre for Cyber Security and the Salient Pattern AI Research Center (SPARC), which foster an active research culture and publish outputs in internationally recognised journals and conferences.
The Academy is seeking a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse early-career academic who is passionate about enhancing student learning, developing a research trajectory in AI and/or Cyber Security, and contributing to the academic, social, and economic impact of computing education and research in South Africa.
The New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) is a Department of Higher Education and Training-funded programme that recruits a new cohort of young academics. The programme is transformative in nature, and priority is given to designated candidates. Candidates must be 40 years and younger. The programme enables nGAP appointments to benefit from teaching and research development opportunities and requires the incumbent to register for their PhD or postdoctoral studies.
The Lecturer position is intended for an emerging academic who shows strong potential in teaching, research, and academic service. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Artificial Intelligence and/or Cyber Security while developing a sustainable research programme aligned with the Academy’s strategic focus areas.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the Academy's academic, research, and service activities. In particular, the incumbent will be expected to:
- Obtain a PhD in the required field, if not already held.
- Prepare and deliver lectures in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, and/or core Computer Science modules at undergraduate and Honours levels.
- Prepare and conduct practical sessions and laboratory-based teaching activities.
- Prepare, assess, and moderate assignments, tests, examinations, and project evaluations.
- Assist in developing and updating course materials in line with industry trends and BCS accreditation requirements.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and innovative pedagogy, including the use of online and blended learning tools.
- Be actively involved in departmental activities, including teaching, research support, academic administration, student consultation, and community engagement initiatives.
- Develop a sustained research profile, including publishing peer-reviewed papers in accredited journals and presenting at national and international conferences.
- Actively conduct research aligned with AI, Cyber Security, or closely related fields.
- Supervise Honours and co-supervise master’s students, where appropriate.
- Contribute to the supervision and assessment of senior undergraduate and Honours projects in line with British Computer Society (BCS) standards.
- Participate in departmental academic and administrative activities, including moderation, meetings, accreditation preparation, and events such as Projects Day.
- Support the University’s Global Excellence and Stature (GES) objectives through teaching innovation, research development, and community engagement.
Minimum requirements
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, or a closely related field with a 70% average pass mark.
- Demonstrated foundational knowledge in Artificial Intelligence and/or Cyber Security.
- Evidence of teaching experience at the tertiary level (lecturing, tutoring, lab demonstrating, or equivalent).
- Evidence of research potential, such as peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, or postgraduate research outputs.
- A strong commitment to good teaching and research.
- Sound written and verbal communication skills in English.
Recommendations:
- A completed PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Computer Science, or related field or is a PhD candidate.
- Teaching experience at the undergraduate or Honours level in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cyber Security, or Networking.
- Experience with BCS Graduate Attributes or equivalent accreditation frameworks.
- A developing track record of research publications in AI or Cyber Security.
- Experience working with industry partners or participating in applied computing projects.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Ability to balance research, teaching, and academic administration effectively.
Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
- A team player with a passion for student development, mentorship, and research growth.
- Strong planning and organisational skills.
- Ability to apply technical knowledge to solve problems in AI and/or Cyber Security contexts.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet academic deadlines.
- Emerging ability to develop and manage an independent research trajectory.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues, students, and external partners.
- Evidence of commitment to professional and academic development.
- Evidence of research capacity and motivation to build a long-term academic career.
Enquiries:
Enquiries regarding the job content: Prof Dustin van der Haar (Head of Department) on Tel: (011) 559 3657
Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Mr. Lubabalo Mgedezi (HCM Business Partner) on Tel: (011) 559 3010
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.