The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJs mission is To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge. The University is guided by the vision of building An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".
Job Description
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSO
The Department of Biochemistry, within the Faculty of Science, is a hub for teaching, research and training, integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies such as AI, machine learning and omics sciences to address global challenges in health, biotechnology, and sustainability. Located on APK Campus in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, the department also offers first-year courses at DFC Campus (Doornfontein). With a focus on interdisciplinary research and societal impact, the department advances healthcare, agriculture and environmental conservation, equipping students with future-ready skills in an evolving scientific landscape.
The Senior Lecturer will play a key role in teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, and academic leadership. The incumbent will contribute to the development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, engage in high-impact research and foster collaborations to enhance the departments national and international standing.
Responsibilities:
Teaching & Learning
- Create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that fosters student success.
- Implement innovative teaching strategies, including blended learning and technology-assisted teaching.
- Deliver structured and effective teaching, learning, and assessment in alignment with the timetable.
- Embed research and innovation into education by integrating cutting-edge scientific advancements.
- Participate in departmental research activities, including research groups and postgraduate supervision.
- Expand national and international collaborations to strengthen academic partnerships.
- Secure external funding and foster industry and research partnerships to enhance financial sustainability.
- Manage and coordinate teaching, learning, and research administration at Departmental, Faculty, and University levels.
- Oversee curriculum management, student records, and compliance with institutional policies.
- Support research administration, including grant applications, ethics approvals, and reporting.
- Leverage digital tools to enhance operational efficiency in academic processes.
- Contribute to institutional and community development through strategic initiatives.
- Embed societal impact and sustainability in research, innovation, and community engagement.
- Lead and participate in outreach, service activities, and community-driven projects.
- Engage in continuous professional development to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements.
- Actively pursue career growth opportunities, including certifications and specialized training.
- Develop and refine leadership qualities to contribute to academic, research, and institutional excellence.
Minimum requirements for Senior Lecturer:
Qualifications:
- PhD in Biochemistry or a closely related field.
- Proven teaching and lecturing experience at the undergraduate level.
- Experience in developing, delivering and assessing undergraduate and postgraduate laboratory practicals.
- Proficiency in designing, executing and evaluating assessments aligned with modern pedagogical practices.
- Active engagement in research, with a track record of presenting and publishing findings.
- Experience in postgraduate supervision and mentorship.
- Evidence of potential to establish and lead an independent research group.
- Strong foundational and applied expertise in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
- Advanced knowledge of disciplinary trends, techniques and emerging research areas.
- Competency in integrating digital tools and 4IR technologies into research and teaching.
- Advanced disciplinary knowledge in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology.
- Experience in theoretical and practical teaching at the undergraduate level, with a strong grasp of modern pedagogical approaches.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively.
- Proficiency in digital tools and technology, including e-learning platforms, data analysis software, and research tools.
- Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills to effectively coordinate teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.
- Ability to inspire and motivate students, fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a collaborative mindset to work effectively with colleagues and students.
- Passion for Biochemistry, demonstrated through enthusiasm for teaching, research, and scientific inquiry.
- Resilience and adaptability, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet deadlines in a dynamic academic setting.
- Experience in academic leadership, including managing student assistants, laboratory demonstrators and tutors.
- Proven ability to coordinate and manage laboratory operations efficiently.
- Expertise in teaching large classes, ensuring student engagement and effective knowledge delivery.
- Proficiency in learning management systems such as Moodle or similar E-teaching platforms, with experience inblended and technology-assisted learning.
- Postgraduate teaching and supervisory experience, with the ability to mentor and guide emerging researchers.
Minimum requirements for Lecturer:
- MSc in Biochemistry or a closely related field.
- Proven teaching and lecturing experience at the undergraduate level.
- Experience in developing, delivering and assessing undergraduate and postgraduate laboratory practicals.
- Proficiency in designing, executing and evaluating assessments aligned with modern pedagogical practices.
- Active engagement in research, with a track record of presenting and publishing findings.
- Demonstrated potential for postgraduate supervision and mentorship.
- Evidence of potential to establish and lead an independent research group.
- Strong foundational and applied expertise in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
- Advanced knowledge of disciplinary trends, techniques and emerging research areas.
- Competency in integrating digital tools and 4IR technologies into research and teaching.
- Ability to inspire and motivate students, fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a collaborative mindset to work effectively with colleagues and students.
- Passion for Biochemistry, demonstrated through enthusiasm for teaching, research, and scientific inquiry.
- Resilience and adaptability, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet deadlines in a dynamic academic setting.
- Experience in academic leadership, including managing student assistants, laboratory demonstrators and tutors.
- Proven ability to coordinate and manage laboratory operations efficiently.
- Expertise in teaching large classes, ensuring student engagement and effective knowledge delivery.
- Proficiency in learning management systems such as Moodle or similar E-teaching platforms, with experience in blended and technology-assisted learning.
- A PhD qualification, active involvement in postgraduate student supervision, and publication track record will be an added advantage.
Enquiries regarding job content: Dr Msizi Mhlongo (Head of Department) at Tel: (011) 559 4573
Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Mr Lubabalo Mgedezi (HCM Business Partner) at Tel. (011) 559 3010







