Lecturer

Title of Position

Post Number

813S ( 0426)

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Natural Sciences -> Chemistry

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

N/A

Location

Closing Date

30/9/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university, rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. UWC actively responds in critical and creative ways to the development needs of the country, within an ever-changing and challenging global context.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of the Western Cape is internationally recognised for its excellence in teaching and research. The faculty comprises nine academic departments, a School of Pharmacy and a number of world-class research institutes and centres. The faculty offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the major scientific disciplines and a professional degree in Pharmacy.

The Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of the Western Cape is nationally and internationally recognised for its research in nanomaterials, electrochemistry, and environmental and water analysis. The Department also conducts extensive research in natural products chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry and organometallic chemistry, with applications in catalysis and medicinal chemistry.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

• Facilitating learning and teaching in Organic Chemistry at undergraduate and postgraduate levels;
• Conducting research and publishing in reputable peer-reviewed journals;
• Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research projects;
• Contributing to academic leadership within the Department;
• Participating in curriculum development, assessment, and the continuous review and improvement of the academic programme;
• Participating in community engagement and outreach activities;
• Undertaking academic administration and related departmental responsibilities.
• A Master's degree in Organic Chemistry with demonstrated expertise in Natural Products Chemistry; with active registration for a PhD in Organic Chemistry
• Demonstrated teaching Organic Chemistry at higher education institution
• A record of quality peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals in Organic Chemistry, particularly in areas such as natural products isolation, purification and structural elucidation; bioactive natural products; synthetic organic chemistry; medicinal chemistry; phytochemistry; or related fields;
• Evidence of research co-supervision
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Effective teaching, training and mentoring skills in academic and laboratory environments;
• The ability to engage, support and develop undergraduate and postgraduate students;
• Sound planning, organisational and administrative skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and collegially with staff and students;
• Effective time and project management skills.

Added advantage and preferences:

• Completed PhD with a track record
• Experience in establishing collaborative partnerships with academic institutions, government departments, industry, community health organisations and/or research organisations;
• Experience in academic leadership and service at departmental and/or faculty level.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.