University Of The Free State (UFS) Lecturer: Life Sciences and Natural Sciences Education Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The University of the Free State (UFS), a well-established institution in South Africa, is seeking a Lecturer for its Faculty of Education. This role is specifically within the Department of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology Education and is based at the Bloemfontein Campus.

This is a significant opportunity for qualified individuals to contribute to academic teaching, research, and curriculum development in the vital fields of Life Sciences and Natural Sciences Education. The position offers either a permanent appointment or a five-year contract, depending on the applicant's qualifications and progress towards a doctoral degree.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this Lecturer position, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• For a permanent appointment: A Doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) in Education, with a specialisation focused on the Teaching or Learning of Natural Sciences/Life Sciences in schools.
• For a five-year contract appointment: A Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in Education, with a specialisation focused on the Teaching or Learning of Natural Sciences/Life Sciences in schools. Candidates appointed on contract must obtain a Doctoral degree within this five-year period to convert to a permanent position.
• A formal teaching qualification (such as a Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Education degree, or an equivalent) that includes Life Sciences as one of the major subjects.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant working experience within a school environment, OR at least two (2) years of relevant experience within a higher education or research and development setting.
• Demonstrated experience in presenting posters or delivering oral presentations at academic conferences or similar activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record.
• Submission of an abstract from your thesis or dissertation to clearly indicate its relevance to the Teaching and/or Learning of Natural Sciences/Life Sciences in schools.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Delivering lectures for undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Natural Sciences and Life Sciences Education, as well as General Education.
• Actively participating in the faculty's Work Integrated Learning programme, specifically in Teaching Practice.
• Ensuring consistent involvement in the research activities conducted by the faculty.
• Contributing to the development of curriculum in the specific fields of Natural Sciences and Life Sciences Education and General Education.
• Supervising and providing essential consultation sessions for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Collaborating effectively with colleagues as part of a team within the faculty.
• Contributing to leadership and administrative tasks relevant to the faculty.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online through the official University of the Free State vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

Application Steps:

• Navigate to the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll
• Locate the "Lecturer: Life Sciences and Natural Sciences Education (Job ID: 6580)" vacancy.
• Complete the online application form and upload all necessary supporting documents. The system has a limit of eight attachments; applicants are advised to merge some documents into fewer files if required.
• Ensure your application is comprehensive and complete, as incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Required Application Documents:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of all your qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained. (Applicants with foreign qualifications must include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your South African Identity Document, or a passport for foreign nationals.
• Confirmation of employment (such as a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or a recent payslip) from your current or most recent employer (this is applicable only to external applicants).
• An abstract of your thesis or dissertation, as specified under minimum requirements.
• A copy of your formal teaching qualification, highlighting Life Sciences as a major subject, as detailed in the minimum requirements.
• A copy of your good academic record, as detailed in the minimum requirements.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced, as detailed in the minimum requirements.
• Evidence of poster or oral presentations given at conferences, as detailed in the minimum requirements.

Application Deadline: August 28, 2026.