Associate Professor

Title of PositionAssociate ProfessorPost NumberOld ITS 3038 New ITS A806Faculty/DepartmentUniversity of the Western Cape -> Natural Sciences -> BiotechnologyType of PositionPermanent - Full TimeLength of Contract PeriodN/ALocationMain Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)Closing Date31/12/2025Role Clarification & Key Performance AreasThe University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. Led by its commitment to research and engaged teaching, UWC is recognised for its proud history and as an aspirational example of a university shaping developments within an ever-changing and challenging global context.The Faculty of Natural Sciences hosts nine academic departments, a School of Pharmacy and several world-class research institutes and centres. Based on a foundation of internationally-recognised quality research, the faculty is committed to learning and teaching excellence and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the major scientific disciplines as well as a professional degree in Pharmacy.The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is a self-funded flagship research entity within the Department of Biotechnology. Renowned for advancing high-impact, interdisciplinary research in microbial biotechnology and bioinnovation, IMBM’s work is strategically aligned with both national imperatives and global scientific frontiers. The Institute contributes meaningfully to undergraduate teaching, while playing a central role in postgraduate training, infrastructure stewardship, and the cultivation of research excellence. Through cutting-edge “omics” approaches and industry-driven microbial technologies, IMBM drives UWC’s strategic research agenda via well-established national and international collaborations. The post is available from 1 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:Facilitate learning and teaching at undergraduate levels in biochemistryUndertake curriculum development and assessmentLead independent high-impact research initiatives aligned with the institute’s strategic focus areas, enhancing international visibility and academic reputation Undertake undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral supervision in microbial biotechnology contributing to research productivity and capacity buildingProvide academic leadership and administrationParticipate in community engagement and outreachContribute meaningfully to the financial sustainability of the IMBM beyond the scope of individual research projects. This includes securing external and donor funding to support operational and strategic activities, cultivating industry partnerships, leading collaborative grant initiatives, and advancing income-generating platforms such as core research facilities, contract research services, and intellectual property commercialization.Fulfil any other duties as assigned by the IMBM DirectorMinimum RequirementsPhD in the field of Microbiology, Biochemistry or a closely related disciplineDemonstrated experience in facilitating learning and teaching within the field of biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on BiochemistryA strong record of quality, internationally peer reviewed publications in the field of microbial biotechnologyAn excellent record of successful postgraduate supervision at MSc and PhD levelA demonstrated track record of securing competitive funding from diverse external sources as the principal investigatorEvidence of expertise, national standing, and an international presence in the field of microbial biotechnologyThe integration of community engagement with learning and teaching and/or researchRequired CompetenciesExcellent verbal and written communication skills in EnglishPresentation and facilitation skillsAdaptability, buy-in and leadership as a senior member of a diverse and self-funded research environmentStudent-focused approachCoaching and mentoring skillsPlanning and organising skillsComputer literacy and e-learning skillsTechnical professional knowledge and skills in the discipline and in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadershipAdded Advantage And PreferencesAn NRF ratingLeadership position in a professional microbiological societyExperience and leadership in laboratory managementLeadership in international consortiaPatents emanating from research conducted, and/or involvement in innovation activities with industryIn your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/9763/9708/3551/3756 or email: e-recruitment@uwc.ac.za.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.