Researcher Curriculum Leadership in Science Education- SANRAL Chair in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education (Contract appointment 5 years) (Job ID 6369)

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements as well as the following standard documentation:

A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
Copies of your qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications please include SAQA accreditation).
A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter appointment contract service certificate or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:
Conduct qualitative quantitative and mixed methods research across the SANRAL Chairs niche areas.
Take responsibility for data analysis and write-up of research reports on assigned projects within the SANRAL Chair
Generate at least two (2) accredited research outputs as a lead author annually.
Co-lead in designing implementing supervising and evaluating the SANRAL Chairs research intervention and post-graduate training projects.
Contribute to resource mobilisation and internationalisation of the SANRAL Chairs research and scholarship
Co-lead and support research assistants postgraduate students and/or research interns in the SANRAL Chair.
Supervise postgraduate students.
Actively participate in engaged scholarship policy advocacy and academic citizenship as related to the SANRAL Chairs niche areas.
Work in a team with colleagues within the SANRAL Chair and the Faculty of Education.
Contribute to achieving the strategic academic and operational objectives of the SANRAL Chair and the Faculty of Education.

Inherent requirements:
A doctoral degree on NQF Level 10 in Education with a focus on Curriculum/Instructional Leadership in schools.
or
Masters degree on NQF Level 9 in Education with a focus on Curriculum/Instructional Leadership in schools AND enrolled for a doctoral degree on NQF Level 10 in Education with a focus on Curriculum/Instructional Leadership in schools.
Candidates must submit proof of registration for a doctoral degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum/Instructional Leadership in schools (attach a copy).
Candidates should submit an abstract of their thesis (or dissertation) to indicate relevance to Curriculum/Instructional Leadership in schools specifically (attach a copy).
A formal teaching qualification (e.g. Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent in Physical Sciences/Life Sciences/Natural Sciences in schools as one of the major subjects (attach a copy).
A minimum of five (5) years relevant working experience in a school or at least two (2) years in a higher education or research and development environment.
Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at academic conferences or equivalent.
Provide evidence of manuscript (s) produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication ideally in an accredited journal

Recommendations:
Evidence of publications in accredited journals
At least two (2) years experience as a principal or deputy principal.
Experience in high-impact engaged scholarship activities within communities

Required competencies:
Results Orientated:
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to be reliable responsible dependable and to fulfil obligations.
Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
Leading:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
Building Coalitions:
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties:
01 May 2026

Closing date:
11 March 2026

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme medical aid scheme group life insurance housing allowance leave and sick leave service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:
For enquiries please feel free to contact or email or Additionally kindly contact / 9329 / 9848 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.