NGAP Lecturer Indigenous Systems in Chemistry Science

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 Chemistry at Nelson Mandela University has a long history of excellence and leadership in teaching and research across the chemical sciences. We are seeking an emerging scientist with a foundational research background in Organic Chemistry and a keen interest in the promising fields of Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals.

This role offers significant benefits, including: (i) Leveraging South Africa’s rich biodiversity to identify, extract, and synthesize novel ingredients;
Developing innovative delivery systems to enhance bioavailability and efficacy; (iii) Utilizing state-of-the-art analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, HPTLC, NMR, FTIR) for product characterization, and (iv) Promoting sustainable and ethical sourcing aligned with green chemistry principles.
The ideal candidate will be committed to teaching core chemistry courses at the undergraduate level across our campuses, while actively developing their research profile under mentorship. This position provides a platform to contribute to departmental initiatives and forge future industry and international partnerships in this innovative field.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Facilitation of multimodal teaching and learning in organic, and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as specialized topics in cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals at undergraduate and honours levels.

• Conduct research focused on Organic Chemistry with specialisation in the development of Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals.

• Potential to develop of national research networks and partnerships to advance the field.

• Promote high-impact research in accredited international journals.

• Involvement in academic engagement, including skills transfer, community partnerships with indigenous knowledge holders, and industry collaboration for potential commercialisation.

• Participate in the public and administrative activities of the Faculty of Science and the Department of Chemistry.

• Perform administration duties normally associated with the academic position.

• Perform any other related duties as and when required.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• A solid foundational knowledge in Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry, with a keen interest in the fields of Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals.

• Competence and a strong willingness to lecture in foundational Organic Chemistry and related courses at the undergraduate level, under appropriate mentorship.

• Demonstrated potential to contribute to knowledge creation through research, with a clear interest in contributing to the departmental focus on IK-based Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals.

• An emerging ability to assist in the supervision of postgraduate (Honours) students as part of a broader research team.

• Potential and enthusiasm for participating in collaborative research projects.

• Commitment to developing effective teaching, communication, and interpersonal skills within an academic environment.

• A willingness to engage with stakeholders and participate in departmental administrative and academic engagement activities.

REQUIREMENTS

• A master’s degree in chemistry with a specialization in Organic Chemistry.

• nGap minimum requirement is a 70% for Masters, as well as strong potential and commitment to enroll for a PhD or already in possession of a PHD.

• A minimum of 1 year teaching experience.

• A strong commitment to teaching, research, and completing a PhD.

• Proficiency in using teaching tools.

• A record of publications in peer-reviewed and/or non-peer-reviewed journals will be an added advantage. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION e.g. contact person and tele number, ; etc.
Contact person:
Prof Percy Hlangothi (HoD) - tel: /2437; : percy.hlangothimandela.ac.za