University Of The Free State (UFS) Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Associate Professor Vacancy 2026 | Apply by August 10, 2026

Opportunity Overview

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications for a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Associate Professor position within its Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, specifically in the Department of Animal Science. This opportunity is based at the Bloemfontein Campus.

This role offers a chance to contribute to academic excellence, focusing on teaching, research, and community engagement. The successful candidate will join a dynamic academic environment, playing a key part in the development of students and the advancement of the Animal Science discipline.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria depending on the level of the position they are applying for.

For a Lecturer position:

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Animal Breeding or a related discipline (for a permanent appointment).
• Alternatively, a Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Animal Breeding or a related discipline (for a five-year contract appointment, during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Animal Breeding or a related discipline MUST be obtained for conversion to a permanent appointment).
• Proven experience in delivering poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced with the potential for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record.

For a Senior Lecturer position:

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Animal Breeding or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publication(s) in peer-reviewed national and international accredited scientific journals.
• Proven experience as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at higher-education levels.

For an Associate Professor position:

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Animal Breeding or a related discipline.
• Experience as an external examiner for postgraduate students.
• Proven experience in the presentation of research papers at national conferences, with evidence of peer review of papers.
• Acted as an editorial board member of high-quality national scholarly journals.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a specific scientific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating of C3 or equivalent status.
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated master’s degree students, with doctoral supervision considered advantageous.

All applicants must submit:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or a recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Teaching and assessing undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Supervising and providing study leadership at postgraduate level.
• Sourcing external research funding and establishing collaborations with industry and other stakeholders.
• Generating third-stream income.
• Participating in community engagement projects such as Farmer's days.
• Recruiting postgraduate students.
• Participating in departmental, faculty, and university committees, and performing general academic and administrative duties.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

• Visit the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll
• Ensure you have prepared all required documents as listed under Minimum Requirements.
• The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, you may merge some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is August 10, 2026.