THE DEPARTMENT:
The Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at Rhodes University is a research intensive department with a national and international profile. The Department comprises eight academic staff and offers four undergraduate semester courses at second and third year levels, an Honours program, Masters and PhD programs by thesis, as well as a Bioinformatics Masters by course-work and thesis.
Further particulars regarding the Department may be obtained from the departmental website.

THE POST INCLUDING ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The department is seeking to appoint a senior academic at the level of Professor, Associate professor, Senior lecturer or Lecturer. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in all spheres of the department and university including undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research, community engagement and administration. Being in a senior position, the candidate would also be expected to take a leadership role in many of these activities.

The disciplinary area requires a microbiologist with experience molecular biology, DNA sequencing and analysis, research expertise in drug discovery and/or marine natural products would be advantageous. The successful candidate will be expected to support the SARChi Chair in Marine Natural Products. The candidate should be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary environment to address drug discovery problems. A PhD in Microbiology and a strong research record is required. The successful applicant will teach undergraduate and Honours courses, supervise Honours, Masters and PhD students, and contribute to the development of the Department. Attributes of the most likely successful candidate are provided in under “Requirements for the post”.

The post is a contract post until 31/12/2018, potentially renewable for a further two five year terms.

THE 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;
• 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.

THE SELECTION PROCESS:
All applicants must complete a standard university application form and follow the clearly outlined selection process associated with that post. This information will be provided on the website address associated with the particular post.

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. Suitable candidates selected for interviewing will be required to present a seminar to the selection committee and all interested parties. The seminar topic will focus on your research expertise and how it can be integrated into the SARChi Chair.

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.. Closing date for application 5 January 2015.