RHODES UNIVERSITY BIOTECHNOLOGY INNOVATION CENTRE
The Rhodes University Biotechnology Innovation Centre invites applications for an academic position at the Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor level. The successful candidate will be expected to provide support for the SARChi Chair: Biotechnology Innovation & Engagement. Furthermore the incumbent should be able to demonstrate engagement with technology transfer and innovation as it relates to translating research in Biotechnology. This may be in the form of funded research aimed at product development, prototypes or patents developed, policy or training in technology entrepreneurship.

Depending on experience and level of appointment the incumbent will be expected to take on a leadership role in various aspects of RUBIC with respect to the three core pillars: Educate (Teaching & Learning and Research), Innovate, and Communicate (Science Engagement).

REQUIREMENTS
The incumbent is required to have a PhD in Biotechnology or an associated field for appointment at Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor levels (experience dependent). Experience and a career stage appropriate track record in any of the following research areas is desirable:

• Biosensor Development
• Alternative Energy Technologies (BioFuel Cell Technology and Associated Bioprospecting)

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to and provide intellectual leadership in RUBIC and the broader Faculty of Science.

To Apply

Application forms and further details can be found at: https://www.ru.ac.za/jobs/currentvacancies/academic/name_151578_en.html

Closing Date: Monday, 6 June 2016 at 12:00pm

About RUBIC
The vision of the Rhodes University Biotechnology Innovation Centre is to create an enabling environment for the translation of Biotechnology related research into products or processes with socio-economic value and to serve as the academic home for the discipline of Biotechnology through targeted programmes in postgraduate and undergraduate teaching and research and in science communication. The aforementioned form the core pillars of the RUBIC i.e. Educate, Innovate, Communicate. The RUBIC currently houses the research and students of 4 fulltime faculty including the SARCHi Chair: Biotechnology Innovation & Engagement. Postgraduate studies at Honours, Masters & Doctoral levels are offered.

About Rhodes University
Rhodes University offers academics a collegial environment where its small size contributes to the quality of work life experienced by staff. A nationally recognised Centre of Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning (previously the Academic Development Centre), headed by the Dean of Teaching and Learning, supports academics in their professional development as teachers. A highly efficient Research and Development Office, headed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Development, seeks to assist academics actively pursuing research interests. A well-functioning and committed administration seeks to support the academic endeavour of the University.

New staff are offered the following benefits:

• payment of reasonable relocation expenses by the institution (further details are provided with an offer of employment);
• transit accommodation for at least six months, possibly up to one year, at reasonable market-related prices, subject to availability of such accommodation;
• possible transferral of academic leave credits (further details are provided with an offer of employment);
• competitive medical aid benefits (Rhodes University runs its own in-house medical aid scheme which has resulted in it being able to offer benefits that compare favourably with other service providers at a lower cost price) and an employer contribution of 50% of medical aid costs;
• competitive pension/provident fund options with an employer contribution of 15%;
• payment of a thirteenth cheque (further details are provided with an offer of employment); and
• housing allowance (further details are provided with an offer of employment).

The University’s current remuneration strategy is to pay academics at the 50th percentile (in the middle of the market compared to other HE employers) of the Higher Education market. An offer made to a prospective staff member will seek to ensure parity with current staff members. A measure of flexibility is provided in the final negotiated salary package, which will be agreed upon between the candidate and the Director: Human Resources.

Living in Grahamstown and working at Rhodes University offers a number of additional benefits:

• small classes of motivated and in some cases exceptionally talented students;
• supportive environment within the academic department;
• reduced fuel bills;
• proximity to good schools where children can attend as day scholars, see: http://www.ru.ac.za/jobs/chooserhodes/lifestyle/schoolsingrahamstown
• proximity to some of the best beaches in the world;
• nearby nature reserves and wilderness areas;
• clean fresh air and a healthy lifestyle;
• a small city with big cultural and academic possibilities;
• generous parental leave benefits, see: http://www.ru.ac.za/humanresources/academicstaffmatters/leave/parentalleave

THE SELECTION PROCESS:

(a) For all applicants applying:

• The submission of a standard university application form.
• A letter of motivation. Candidates are asked to outline their research, teaching as well as community engagement interests, and to explain how they see these in terms complementing existing departmental expertise.
• Full Curriculum Vitae.

(b) On the basis of the above information, candidates will be short-listed. Candidates will be advised of the outcome of this short-listing within 3 working days of the Selection Committee having met.

(c) All short-listed candidates will undergo the following processes:

• Referee reports will be solicited. This will be done shortly after the short-listing meeting. Referee reports will be due 3 working days before the Committee meets and sent out to all Committee members electronically at least one working day before the interview. Candidates will be asked to please advise referees of this time-frame.
• The candidate will be expected to give a 20-minute presentation, on their current and future research interests, to an audience comprising the selection committee and interested staff and students. This will be followed by a question and answer session of up to 10 minutes.
• Panel interview process. Each interview is likely to last up to one hour.
• An employment check (checking of qualifications, checking of research record, checking of past employment record) is undertaken on final candidate recommended for appointment

The University reserves the right to check qualifications and the accuracy of any information supplied. Should it become apparent that information provided has been fabricated or deliberately altered; the applicant will forfeit their application.

The Selection Committee reserves the right to confirm your publication and research records and, if necessary, access such documentation. Information so gained may be used to assess your suitability for short-listing.

If you have any further queries about the selection process, please do not hesitate to contact the HR Division at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our best wishes to you in your application.