Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.
CORE PURPOSE OF JOB
The Department of Physics at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is renowned for its excellent academic programs and its outstanding research contributions in condensed matter physics, photovoltaics, and optical fibre technology. The department is strategically strengthening its teaching, research, and community engagement. Accordingly, the successful candidate should have a strong and well-established record in both teaching and research, with expertise in semiconductor physics and photovoltaics.
Key responsibilities will include:
•Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
•Conducting advanced research, managing international collaborations, and supervising MSc and PhD students.
•Providing leadership in academic and community engagement initiatives.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
•Facilitate and administer teaching and learning for undergraduate and postgraduate students, including supervision of postgraduate research projects.
•Review, design, and develop academic curricula to maintain high-quality, research-led teaching.
•Conduct advanced research in the field of photovoltaics and contribute to scholarly publications.
•Provide academic leadership within the department and Faculty, mentoring students and junior staff.
•Contribute to community engagement initiatives and participate in the core administrative functions of the University.
CORE COMPETENCIES
•Ability to lecture undergraduate and postgraduate physics courses at university level.
•Strong knowledge of semiconductor physics, advanced quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and electrodynamics.
•Proficiency in laboratory techniques, experimental design, and coding.
•Experience in preparing funding applications, grants, and research proposals.
•Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
•Excellent interpersonal, communication, and mentoring skills..
REQUIREMENTS
•Candidates must possess a PhD degree in Physics with at least 5 years relevant teaching and research experience.
•Proven leadership in the management of applied research projects
•Evidence of successful funding applications.
•A track record of publications in internationally recognized journals and participation in local and international conferences
•Successful lead supervision of postgraduate students at master and/or doctoral level.
•Evidence of national and international collaboration
•A NRF rating will be an advantage
•Evidence of strong PV industry links will be an advantage
The specialization of post graduate teaching and research activity in the physics department requires that the candidate should be particularly skilled in:
•Photovoltaics device physics
•Electrical and optical characterization of semiconductor photovoltaic materials/devices
•Planning of novel experiments, along with the designing, building and interfacing of equipment to perform advanced measurements
•Rudimentary maintenance of equipment associated with a photovoltaics physics laboratory and outdoor testing facility
Note: It will be required of the candidate to present a 10-15 minute lecture on a topic relevant to this post, to an appropriate assessment panel. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION e.g. contact person and telephone number, e-mail; etc.
