Lecturer (NGap): Biochemistry

at University of Johannesburg
Location Gauteng, South Africa
Date Posted October 2, 2020
Category Education / Teaching
Job Type Full-time
Currency ZAR

Description

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university anchored in Africa, striving towards global excellence and stature. Ranked amongst the top 4% in the QS World Class Universities Ranking and 58th in the QS BRICS World Class Universities Ranking, UJ is recognised as an international university of choice. As a University, we aim to enrich our academic profile, and develop UJ as the Pan-African epicentre of critical intellectual inquiry. Furthermore, the institution is taking the lead across Africa in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Thinking. Reimagining the future for all disciplines.
Description

The Department of Biochemistry is an academic unit within the Faculty of Science. The core functions of the department are teaching, training and research. The department is situated on the APK Campus in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, and the majority of instruction takes place here, while first year courses are offered to Optometry, and Environmental and Health Sciences students on the DFC campus (Doornfontein). Apart from presenting lectures to undergraduate and postgraduate students, the incumbent will be expected to actively conduct research, supervise postgraduate students and be involved in the other activities of the Department.

The New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) involves recruiting a new cohort of academics. The programme is transformative in nature and priority is given to designated candidates. Candidates must be 40 years and younger.  The programme[Link Disabled] enables nGAP appointments to benefit from teaching and research development opportunities and requires the incumbent to register for their PhD or post-doctoral studies.

In line with the Department of Higher Education and Training's New Generation Academic Programme (nGAP)[URL Disabled], the Faculty of Science at the University of Johannesburg is seeking to make an appointment of a lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry. We are seeking an exceptionally motivated, qualified and ambitious aspirant South African academic to contribute to, and expand, the Faculty's current teaching and research interests/specialisations. In particular, Bioinformatics is defined as is an interdisciplinary (combining biology, computer science, information engineering, mathematics and statistics) field that develops methods and software tools for understanding and interpreting biological data. Particularly of late, data mining, cloud computing, network analysis, data modelling, the internet of things (IoT), web-based tools, e-infrastructure, to name but a few, has been included in the Bioinformatics field, and these terms relate to 4IR. Given the strategic importance for the establishment of a Bioinformatics branch, particularly relating to 4IR, within our fundamental courses and curricula, we believe this environment will be richly rewarding, stimulating and highly supportive for a young Biochemist to establish a successful career in academia with ample opportunity for growth.

As such, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the projects of the department (particularly Bioinformatics), including administrative duties, and teach in undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Biochemistry.

Responsibilities:

  • Register for the PhD degree/Post-doctoral study in Biochemistry (within the field of Bioinformatics).
  • Prepare and deliver lectures and/or practical sessions for undergraduate students.
  • Prepare/design and mark assignments, tests, and exams.
  • Be prepared to travel between campuses should the need to arise.
  • Attend departmental and faculty meetings.
  • Establish their own research niche (especially in Bioinformatics) in the Department and participate in research activities leading to the publication of manuscripts in internationally peer-reviewed/accredited journals.
  • Supervise postgraduate students.
  • Be actively involved and perform any other tasks or activities which fall within the general functioning of the department, assistance in general equipment and facilities operations.
  • Drive the Global Excellence and Stature (GES) objectives of the University of Johannesburg.
  • Participate in Community Engagement initiatives in the Department and Faculty.

[URL Disabled] The duration of the nGAP programme is 6 years. nGAP posts are institutional based and are permanent positions.

[URL Disabled] Additionally, nGAP lecturers are required to participate in the South African's Universities' Development Programme (SSAU-DP)

Profile
  • An MSc in Biochemistry (with expertise in Bioinformatics) is required (70% and above).
  • Experience in developing/presenting undergraduate practicals in Biochemistry.
  • Ability to perform research, teaching and administration simultaneously.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Excellent computer literacy skills.

Recommendations:

  • Previous lecturing experience (provide a teaching portfolio) in Biochemistry.
  • At least 2 years' experience in organizing and managing undergraduate lecturing and/or practicals for Biochemistry students.
  • Strong commitment to good teaching and research.
  • Experience in Blackboard (or related E-teaching platform) and blended learning.
  • Demonstrated ability/experience to work with a multidisciplinary team.
  • Ability to perform research, teaching and administration simultaneously.
  • Published scientific article(s) in accredited subject-related journal(s).
  • Postgraduate supervisory experience.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

  • Experience in theoretical and practical teaching at undergraduate level.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Excellent computer literacy skills.
  • Strong interpersonal relationships.
  • Ability to function under pressure.
  • Good planning and organizational skills.
  • Passion for the field of Biochemistry and a strong desire for an academic career.
  • An eagerness to participate in changing the South African landscape through education.

 

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