Department of Viticulture and Oenology / Senior Lecturer / Lecturer / Junior Lecturer - Senior Lekt

Department of Viticulture and Oenology

Senior Lecturer / Lecturer / Junior Lecturer

Two-year fixed term contract

(AW11/365/1118)

The Department of Viticulture and Oenology is a unique university department in South Africa that focuses on using training and innovative research to provide the South African wine and grapevine industries with well-qualified human resources, cutting edge technology and the latest scientific knowledge. The viticultural research fields covered in the Department include cultivation practices, ecophysiology, physiology, remote sensing, precision viticulture, climate change, grapevine biology and molecular biology of berry ripening, as well as abiotic and biotic stress interactions of table and wine grape cultivars.

This vacancy in viticulture is available for a suitable candidate to become part of a dynamic research team:

The initial distribution of duties is anticipated to be 50% undergraduate teaching, 25% research, 25% academic tasks related to experimental vineyard management.

These tasks include the following aspects:

• Undergraduate teaching in Viticulture: The candidate will be expected to teach cultivation practices with an emphasis on the South African context and actively participate in the implementation of the theoretical and practical aspects of a newly developed curriculum;
• Active participation in a research programme in viticulture, preferably in the context of a team, linking to and expanding the existing research programmes in viticulture (wine grapes), as well as wine sciences in general;
• Coordination of training as well as research activities in the University's training/experimental vineyards in collaboration with the vineyard manager;
• Developing research partnerships with relevant role players in the South African wine industry;
• Involvement with administrative service delivery at departmental and faculty level;
• Involvement in community interaction projects.

Junior Lecturer:

• MSc in Viticulture or in Plant Physiology, Plant Science with a specific focus on grapevine;
• Ability and willingness to participate in lecturing and research activities related to viticulture and to show interest and drive to source research funding;
• Experience in managing vineyards;
• Ability and willingness to establish research partnerships with viticulture industries.

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer (commensurate with the level of appointment):

• PhD in Viticulture or in Plant Physiology, Plant Science with a specific focus on grapevine;
• Proven experience to participate in lecturing and research activities (commensurate with the level of appointment) and the potential to develop in these aspects, with a specific focus on viticulture;
• Ability or experience in attracting research funding and in developing research partnerships with viticultural industries (commensurate with the level of appointment);
• Research experience and publication record with a focus on viticulture (commensurate to post level);
• Experience in managing vineyards;
• Ability to operate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.

Applicable to all post levels:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• A keen interest in a research field that is a good fit with the Department's research profile;
• Relevant experience in grape and wine industry-related applied research;
• Language proficiency in a multilingual university;
• Proven leadership abilities.

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of the staff corps, especially  with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and e-mail address of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the  closing date of the advertised post.

Apply online by using the "Apply Now" link.

Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

Should no feedback be received from the University within Six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.

Enquiries regarding job content: : Prof Benoit Divol, Chair: Department of Viticulture and Oenology, on 021 808 3141/3797 or divol@sun.ac.za

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Service Centre on 021 808 2753