Senior Researcher (SR) / Associate Professor (AP)

Posted 20 August 2025 - Closing Date 03 September 2025

Main Objectives

All academics are responsible for teaching and learning, the creation of knowledge (research), professional involvement, and community engagement, recognising differences in the execution of these responsibilities within the various departments and Faculties. Academics are also expected to assume administrative, management, and/or leadership duties at the departmental, Faculty, and/or University levels.

In addition, a Professor and an Associate Professor are to provide academic leadership in the following areas: teaching and learning; research; and community engagement, as well as to contribute towards the leadership and management of the institution.

The Requirements

Senior Researcher

• A PhD in Literary Studies in English/English Literature Education is required
• At least 2 years of teaching experience (including Literary Studies/literature education) at the undergraduate level is required
• Evidence of research supervision of at least a master’s degree to completion is required
• An emerging national profile in the discipline and a credible publication record in peer-reviewed publications are required
• A track record of administration, management and/or leadership is required

Associate Professor

• A PhD in Literary Studies in English/English Literature Education is required
• At least 5 years of teaching experience (including Literary studies/literature education) across undergraduate and postgraduate levels is required
• Evidence of research of master’s degree (to completion) and PhD degrees (could be in progress) is required. Supervising PhD degrees to completion is an advantage
• A national and merging international profile in the discipline a substantial publication record in peer-reviewed publications is required
• An extensive track record of administration, management, and leadership is required

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications which should include the following: -
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system. Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application can be submitted to hrrecruitment@ru.ac.za.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting date to be confirmed.
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum (Grade SR):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R783 243

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R1 013 469

Remuneration per annum (Grade AP):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R936 120

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R1 203 447

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a fixed-term contract. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 03 September 2025

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are:
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022 and the University's Recruitment and Selection policies.