Senior Lecturer - Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE (FABI)

SENIOR LECTURER

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria invites applications for the above vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will join a world class team of researchers working in the field of plant health and productivity in the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), and associated with the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. S/he will be a Plant Molecular Biologist / Molecular Physiologist who will undertake goal directed research and supervise postgraduate students in these fields. The incumbent will also contribute to undergraduate teaching in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. S/he will be a member of the FABI Management Committee, participate in the activities of other plant molecular biotechnology related research teams in FABI and contribute to the effective operation of the Institute. S/he will be required to engage with a broad range of stakeholders linked to the Institute, including international collaborators, local government and industry (including extension), as well as funding organisations that provide external support for FABI’s research.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• An applicable PhD-degree, and teaching and research experience with a publication record in leading international journals that demonstrates the potential to perform research to the highest international standards;
• Specialisation in Plant Molecular Biology, Molecular Plant Physiology or related fields with applications relevant to agriculture;
• A current NRF-rating or evidence of the ability to gain a reasonable rating in the near future.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to teach classes effectively;
• The ability to inspire students and a commitment to work in a strong multidisciplinary research team addressing grand challenges in agriculture and forestry.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• A research focus on the molecular genetics of plants and preferably plant-pathogen/pest interactions, plant protection or plant productivity;
• Experience in working with emerging technologies in the fields of plant molecular genetics;
• Experience in engaging a broad range of academic and non-academic stakeholders, and fundraising.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED medical aid scheme and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

CLOSING DATE: 2 March 2018

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Prof B Slippers, Tel: (012) 420 2463, e-mail: bernard.slippers@fabi.up.ac.za

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­31 May 2018, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.