Senior Lecturer in Behavioural/Wildlife endocrinology - Mammal Research Institute

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

MAMMAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

SENIOR LECTURER

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following 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.

BACKGROUND:

The University of Pretoria has embarked on a major programme to enhance the research capacity of the Mammal Research Institute. This stems from an appreciation of the fact that the fundamental discipline of Mammal Research underpins some of the most critical research topics in animal, veterinary, and biological sciences. As an initial step towards positioning the University as the partner of choice in all matters relating to mammals in the region, the country, and the continent, researchers are being sought who have an interest in furthering both their own academic disciplines and the relevant applied disciplines. A position currently exists in the Mammal Research Institute for a Senior Lecturer.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Lead and work in a team undertaking research in behavioural/wildlife endocrinology;
• Conduct non-invasive hormone analyses using enzyme-immunoassay technique for monitoring reproductive function and responses to stressors in captive and free-ranging animals;
• Assist in lecturing on behavioural endocrinology and related fields at undergraduate level as well as during short-course and workshops;
• (Co)supervise postgraduate students;
• Assist during field-work and work outside office-hours if required;
• Initiate collaborative research projects with scientists from all disciplines within and outside the university;
• Interact with local and international colleagues, thereby expanding collaboration world-wide;
• Solicit and manage research funding from local and international industry and funding agencies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A PhD in Biology, Biochemistry or Veterinary Science;
• Experience in undergraduate teaching in Biology, Biochemistry or Veterinary Science;
• At least one year experience in developing and conducting research projects including field work, sample collection and laboratory analysis, specifically conducting non-invasive hormone analyses using enzyme-immunoassay technique;
• Experience in sample preparation and analyses according to standard operation procedures;
• A record of collaboration with local and international scientists;
• A record of fundraising for research projects;
• A record of peer-reviewed scientific publications;
• Experience in supervising postgraduate students.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• The ability to establish, calculate, monitor and alter (if applicable) test-related measures of quality;
• Ability to manage complex long-term projects; 
• Highly accurate and solution-oriented work attitude;
• Flexible results-oriented approach to work;
• Good language and communication skills;
• The ability to work under pressure;
• Good interpersonal and leadership skills.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Experience in the following:
  • Non-invasive hormone monitoring;
  • Behavioural/wildlife endocrinology research;
  • Independent project management;
• Ability to administer a budget;
• NRF rating or evidence of being evaluated.

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:

28 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 Andre Ganswindt, Tel: +27 12 420 3776

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.