Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer (Faculty of Science: Department of Physics)
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.
Department’s Synopsis:
The Department of Physics invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Associate Professor in Nuclear Physics or Applied Nuclear Physics. The successful candidate will provide academic leadership in teaching, postgraduate supervision, research, innovation, and community engagement while contributing to the strategic objectives of the department, faculty, and university.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will provide academic leadership in Nuclear Physics or Applied Nuclear Physics through excellence in teaching, postgraduate supervision, high-impact research, innovation, industry partnerships, and community engagement. The incumbent will be expected to maintain a sustained record of research productivity and contribute to the advancement of nuclear science nationally and internationally.
Responsibilities:
Teaching & Learning:
- Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Nuclear Physics and related disciplines.
- Develop, review, and enhance curricula aligned with international standards and industry requirements.
- Employ innovative teaching, learning, assessment, and digital learning methodologies.
- Develop and maintain laboratory and computational teaching activities.
- Mentor junior academic staff and contribute to teaching excellence initiatives.
- Participate in programme accreditation, quality assurance, and curriculum renewal activities.
- Act as an external examiner and peer reviewer where appropriate.
Research:
- Establish and lead an internationally recognised research programme in Nuclear Physics or Applied Nuclear Physics.
- Conduct independent and collaborative research leading to publication in accredited high-impact international journals.
- Develop and lead experimental programmes at national and international nuclear research facilities.
- Undertake advanced computational and theoretical nuclear physics research.
- Attract external research funding from organisations such as the NRF, IAEA, DSTI, industry, and international funding agencies.
- Establish and maintain productive national and international research collaborations.
- Lead multidisciplinary research initiatives and contribute to innovation and technology transfer activities.
- Contribute to departmental and faculty research strategies and priorities.
Administration:
- Participate in departmental, faculty, and institutional governance structures.
- Coordinate academic programmes and research activities.
- Contribute to strategic planning and policy implementation.
- Manage research infrastructure, laboratories, equipment, and allocated resources.
- Participate in staff mentoring, recruitment, and development initiatives.
Community Engagement:
- Develop partnerships with industry, government, professional bodies, and community organisations.
- Promote public understanding of nuclear science through outreach activities.
- Contribute to scientific conferences, workshops, and professional development programmes.
- Represent the university on relevant scientific and professional forums.
Minimum requirements
- PhD (NQF 10) in Nuclear Physics, Applied Nuclear Physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Appropriate academic standing for appointment at Associate Professor level.
- Proven sustained publication record in accredited, peer-reviewed international journals.
- Demonstrated success in supervising Master's and PhD students to completion.
- Proven ability to attract external research funding and grants.
- Evidence of national and international research collaboration.
- Demonstrated experience in proposing and conducting research at national and international nuclear facilities.
- Experience in analysing experimental nuclear physics data using software such as ROOT, RadWare, or equivalent platforms.
- Demonstrated expertise in experimental and/or computational nuclear physics research.
- Proven university-level teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Evidence of academic leadership and participation in academic administration.
Recommendations:
- NRF-rated researcher or evidence of eligibility for NRF rating.
- Postdoctoral research experience.
- Experience managing large collaborative research projects.
- Experience with IAEA or international nuclear research programmes.
- Success in securing significant external funding.
- Experience leading research groups, centres, or strategic research initiatives.
Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong research leadership and mentoring capability.
- Strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
- Strong organisational and project management abilities.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to build productive partnerships and collaborations.
- Innovative, proactive, and creative approach.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
- Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent presentation and scientific writing skills.
Working conditions and Expectations:
- May be required to travel between campuses.
- May be required to travel nationally and internationally for research and presentations.
Enquiries:
Enquiries regarding the job content: Prof BM Sondezi (Head of Department) on Tel: (011) 559 2813
Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Mr. Lubabalo Mgedezi (HCM Business Partner) on Tel: (011) 559 3892
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.