Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer (Geo-Informatics) (Faculty of Science: Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies)
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
academic and 2 support staff members. We have 500 undergraduate and 170 postgraduate students.
- Assume responsibility for teaching GIS and remote sensing modules for undergraduate and postgraduate (Honours, Masters and PhD) programmes in the Department, with emphasis on theory and applications of GIS and remote sensing to Earth observation, physical geography and environmental sub-disciplines.
- The ideal candidate must be innovative in their teaching using various approaches to teaching and learning including a blended learning approach and using latest technology-assisted teaching, learning and assessment practices. Obtain feedback on effectiveness of teaching and learning approaches and adapt accordingly.
- Conduct cutting-edge research and supervise research of undergraduate and postgraduate students in GIS and remote sensing related topics, and secure research funding for students.
- Actively participate in administration tasks of the department including but not limited to the tasks of curriculum design and administration related to teaching, supervision, research and community engagement initiatives.
- Publishing research outputs in nationally and internationally accredited academic outlets including peer-reviewed conferences, journals and books and present papers at national and international conferences, commensurate with the level of appointment.
- Be actively involved in national and global collaboration opportunities, both research and teaching and learning initiatives.
- Initiate and participate in the department’s community engagement works, science engagement and related activities.
- Networking with earth observation and GIS communities to source student work placement opportunities and secure research funding opportunities for students.
- Obtain research funding from external funding bodies.
- Perform administrative and ad hoc duties as the need arise.
Minimum requirements
- PhD degree in Geo-Informatics / Geomatics / Environmental Sciences Physical Geography / Biological Sciences / Earth Sciences / Computer Science or related fields with a strong research background on GIS and remote sensing. Certified copies of completed Doctoral degree certificate/s or evaluated SAQA equivalents for foreign qualifications.
- Experience in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning in Higher Education.
- Experience in Higher Education postgraduate research supervision to completion.
- Proven post-PhD track record of research publications mostly in GIS/Remote sensing focused international journals commensurate with the level of appointment.
- Experience in publishing in academically recognised scientific conference proceedings, book chapters and/or books.
- Extensive experience in GIS and remote sensing analysis software such as QGIS, ESRI products, ERDAS, ENVI.
- Experience in statistical and spatial programming using common languages R, Python, JavaScript (Google Earth Engine), etc.
- Experience in planning and conducting field research.
- Experience in attracting external research funding.
- Have sound proficiency in the various applications of GIS and remote sensing.
- Have a national and/or international intellectual network.
- Have a track record to apply for external research funding
- Proven skill in GIS and remote sensing data acquisition, management and analysis.
- Ability to apply all the relevant skills in addressing Sustainable Development Goals and other real-world issues of national and international priority.
- Strong statistical analysis and interpretation skills.
- Strong analytical and numerically evidenced thinking.
- Project coordination and management (including related financial management) skills.
- Science communication skills.
- Computer coding skills in R, JavaScript and Python.
- Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and as a team.
- Ability to supervise student research projects.
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
- Good planning, organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent computer skills.
- Excellent teaching and motivational skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills that support collaboration with others and working as a team member.
- Strong passion for capacity development of young people even under difficult circumstances.
- Good networking skills.
- Proven engagement with the scholarship of teaching and learning including innovative teaching practices.
- Capable of independent thought and able to work as an individual and contribute substantially as part of a team.
- Work experience in the industry in GIS, remote sensing and related fields.
- Member of a professional body, national and/or international.
- Track record of fund-raising initiatives locally and internationally.
- Experience in operating GIS and remote sensing field equipment such as field spectrometer, Leaf Area Index and chlorophyll meter, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, etc.
- Strong analytical, quantitative modelling and geo-computational skills to transfer to students.
- Participation in joint research projects and supervision of postgraduate students.
- Development of earth observation/GIS end-user systems (e.g., web platforms) and products.
- An NRF rating would advance the applicant’s chances of being successful. If the applicant has no NRF rating, he/she should be in the position to apply for a rating in the year of appointment.
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.
