CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

This four-year fixed-term appointment is intended as a research career advancement opportunity for an emerging ecologist.

The purpose of the position is to facilitate teaching and learning in general and terrestrial ecology at undergraduate level, while enabling the incumbent to develop a strong and increasingly independent research profile.

The incumbent will contribute to teaching in general ecology, terrestrial animal ecology and terrestrial plant ecology; undertake and publish high-quality ecological research; supervise student research; and contribute to the academic functions of the Department. The incumbent will be supported through a structured mentorship arrangement involving two senior academics, who will provide guidance in research development, teaching, postgraduate supervision and academic career progression. The incumbent will also be expected to make effective use of the research opportunities and resources available through the SARChI Chair in Thicket Ecosystem Services for Climate and Community and to contribute to one or more of the Chair’s research pillars.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Facilitate relevant and high-quality teaching and learning in undergraduate general ecology, terrestrial animal ecology and terrestrial plant ecology, particularly at first- and second-year levels.
• Assess student learning using suitable assessment methods and evaluate and report student performance in accordance with University requirements.
• Establish and develop an active research programme in terrestrial ecology that contributes to one or more research pillars of the SARChI Chair in Thicket Ecosystem Services for Climate and Community.
• Participate actively in a structured mentorship arrangement with two senior academics and work toward agreed research, teaching, supervision and academic career-development objectives.
• Produce peer-reviewed research publications in accredited national and international journals and communicate research findings at appropriate scientific and stakeholder forums.
• Supervise or co-supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.
• Participate in collaborative research and contribute to the development of research proposals and applications for external research funding.
• Contribute to relevant community engagement activities and partnerships with conservation organisations, government, industry and civil society.
• Participate in the academic and administrative functions of the Departments (Botany and Zoology) and Faculty at a level appropriate to a developmental fixed-term appointment.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Broad knowledge of ecological theory and its application to terrestrial ecosystems, including both plant and animal ecology.
• Ability to facilitate teaching and learning in general ecology, terrestrial plant ecology and terrestrial animal ecology at undergraduate level.
• Competence in ecological research design, field-based data collection, data analysis and scientific interpretation.
• Ability to develop a coherent research programme and produce high-quality peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Ability to contribute effectively to interdisciplinary and collaborative research programmes.
• Ability to supervise or co-supervise student research and support the development of postgraduate students.
• Willingness to participate constructively in academic mentorship, respond to developmental guidance and work toward agreed career-development goals.
• Sound written, verbal and scientific communication skills.
• A student-centred approach to teaching and an ability to work effectively with students from diverse educational backgrounds.
• Good interpersonal, organisational and time-management skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Evidence of the potential to develop as an academic researcher, teacher and research leader.

REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in Ecology, Botany or Zoology with a research focus relevant to terrestrial ecology.
• Demonstrated knowledge of both terrestrial plant and animal ecology sufficient to contribute to undergraduate teaching across these fields.
• Evidence of ecological research experience, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications in accredited scientific journals.
• Evidence of the ability to undertake field-based ecological research and analyse ecological data.
• A minimum of 2 years relevant experience, including lecturing, tutoring, demonstrating or other facilitation of learning at tertiary level.
• A commitment to participating in a structured academic mentorship and career-development process.
• A driver’s licence and at least five years driving experience.

The following would be advantageous:

• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience in teaching general ecology, terrestrial plant ecology or terrestrial animal ecology at undergraduate level.
• Experience in supervising or co-supervising undergraduate or postgraduate research.
• Experience in quantitative ecology and the analysis of ecological data using appropriate statistical software.
• Knowledge of southern African terrestrial ecosystems.
• Research experience relevant to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate change or human–environment relationships.
• Evidence of participation in collaborative research projects, research funding applications or engagement with conservation organisations, government, industry or civil society.