Lecturer/Senior Lecturer

Job Description

The Wits School of Education is seeking to appoint a suitable candidate at Lecturer/Senior Lecturer level to contribute to the School’s Initial Teacher Education and postgraduate programmes. The suitable candidate will be expected to lecture at undergraduate and postgraduate level, supervise postgraduate research, conduct research, and contribute to the advancement of Science Education as a school subject. The Senior Lecturer will be expected to teach fundamental skills required for all aspects of physical sciences and conduct research in the growing area of research in teaching and learning physical sciences in diverse classrooms, pedagogical innovations in the teaching and learning of physical sciences, education for sustainable development, teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge, and developing innovative pedagogies with technology. In addition, successful candidates will be encouraged to collaborate in areas of teachers’ content knowledge and their pedagogical skills, integration of knowledge and skills to enhance teaching and prepare pre-service teachers to fulfil their roles as a classroom teacher in the varying contexts of South African classrooms and secure research funding. Exciting possibilities exist for a successful applicant to join us in an established and vibrant community of educators and researchers at Wits.

Qualifications and Experience

• A PhD in Science or Science Education with a concentration in Physical Sciences is required for an appointment at the level of Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
• Demonstrate a record of teaching, research, and service in the education sector.
• Demonstrate a strong research publication record in peer-reviewed and DHET accredited journals and conference proceedings.
• Highly recognized contributions and leadership in Science Education.
• High potential to initiate and obtain funding for the research activities.
• Engages in professional bodies to advance Science Education.
• Candidates must have strong commitment to both undergraduate & postgraduate education and research with ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of diverse people.
• Excellent computer skills and demonstrable knowledge of integrating Information & Communication Technology (ICT) tools in their teaching using simulations or video technology, and the ability to develop digital learning materials.
• Experience in using Learning Management Systems to develop instructional content and expand access to instructional activities.

Senior Lecturer [Permanent]

Teaching Experience

• Evidence of curriculum development, academic administration and postgraduate supervision.
• Demonstrate depth of understanding in the Science Education field as well as the ability to teach courses in Physical sciences.
• Evidence of supervision of master’s and doctoral students to completion.
• Experience with designing, implementing, and testing laboratory activities, coordinating practical science laboratory sessions and implementing research projects.
• Evidence of initial teacher education experience or teaching at an FET phase in the schooling sector.

Research Experience

• Demonstrate self-initiated, independent research and ongoing scholarly activities.
• Established research record and output.
• Evidence of an independent and ongoing research programme.
• Principal investigator on grant applications, recipient of awards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop research agenda, publish in accredited scholarly journals, and secure external funding to support research and postgraduate students.
• Effectively prepare and teach assigned courses according to current and emerging best practices in student learning of physical sciences.
• Supervision of postgraduate students to completion.
• Contribute to the values of the school: teaching excellence, inclusivity, digital innovation, student success, etc.
• Contribute to the development and teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Coordinate courses and programmes in the school including participating in committees.
• Research based on pedagogy and hands-on active learning using simulations and/sensor-based data acquisition systems.
• An ability and willingness to work in teams and perform other duties as assigned.

Lecturer [Permanent]

Teaching Experience

• Evidence of curriculum development, academic administration and postgraduate supervision.
• Demonstrate depth of understanding in the Science Education field as well as the ability to teach courses in Physical Sciences.
• Evidence of supervision of honours and masters students to completion.
• Experience with designing, implementing, and testing laboratory activities, coordinating practical science laboratory sessions and implementing research projects.
• Evidence of initial teacher education experience or teaching at an FET phase in the schooling sector.

Research Experience

• Evidence of an independent and ongoing research programme.
• Principal investigator on grant applications, recipient of awards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop research agenda, publish in accredited scholarly journals, and secure external funding to support research and postgraduate students.
• Effectively prepare and teach assigned courses according to current and emerging best practices in student learning of physical sciences.
• Supervision of postgraduate students to completion.
• Contribute to the values of the school: teaching excellence, inclusivity, digital innovation, student success, etc.
• Contribute to the development and teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
• Coordinate courses and programmes in the school including participating in committees.
• Research based on pedagogy and hands-on active learning using simulations and/sensor-based data acquisition systems.
• An ability and willingness to work in teams and perform other duties as assigned.