nGAP Lecturer Studies in STEM Education

SUMMARY:
The Department of Higher Education and Training is implementing the New Generation of Academics Prog

POSITION INFO:

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 Higher Education and Training is implementing the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) under Staffing South Africa’s Universities Framework (SSAUF) in partnership with South African state universities. Phase 9 of the nGAP has been approved by the DHET and its implementation is currently underway. Nelson Mandela University has been allocated 1 post for this phase as mentioned above. The post is institution-based and permanent. The aim of this advertisement is to recruit a candidate that has a passion for pursuing a career in academia and to improve the equity profile of the University, which constitutes an important aspect of the nGAP and NMU’s Strategic Plan. Consequently, the University invites applicants who are 40 years or younger with a Masters or PhD degree or who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll for a PhD degree and who are from under-represented designated groups to apply for a positions in the Department of Secondary School Education (SSE) in the Faculty of Education at Nelson Mandela University.

The incumbent will be required to:
•Teach STEM (Mathematics, Natural Science, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Computer Application Technology, Information Technology) related modules in Education to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
•Mentor and supervise postgraduate students at Honours and Masters level.
•Conduct collaborative research in STEM-related fields in Education.
•Participate in a formal development programme aimed at strengthening their aspirations and skills as a researcher and lecturer.
•Complete their PhD studies in instances where this has not yet been completed.
•Assume limited administration responsibilities in the faculty.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
•Facilitate learning, teaching and assessment at undergraduate and postgraduate level in STEM (Mathematics, Natural Science, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Computer Application Technology, Information Technology) related modules.
•Conduct research and publish in peer-reviewed academic journals / academic platforms.
•Supervise at Honours and Masters levels.
•Participate in academic and community engagements.
•Commit to a Professional Development / Continuous Learning Programme.
•Contribute to faculty administration as required.

CORE COMPETENCIES
•Demonstrate sound knowledge and expertise in STEM (Mathematics, Natural Science, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Computer Application Technology, Information Technology) -related fields in education.
•Ability to facilitate teaching, learning and assessment of STEM-related content to diverse cohorts of education undergraduate and postgraduate students.
•Possess the ability to develop a curriculum and teaching resources for the Method of STEM in education modules.
•Proficiently navigate and utilise the Moodle Learning Management Systems (LMS) to facilitate effective online teaching and learning experiences. This includes showing expertise in managing course materials, assignments, and assessments within the LMS platform, as well as providing technical support to students and colleagues. Additionally, demonstrate proficiency in customising and optimising the LMS interface to enhance user experience and engagement.
•Conduct scholarly work with a focus on STEM in Education in the SP-FET phase.
•Ability to supervise at Honours and Masters levels.
•Ability to conduct research and produce scientific scholarly outputs in the field of STEM.
•Possess effective communication skills (verbal and written), good facilitation, training and presentation skills.

REQUIREMENTS
•A minimum of a Masters degree in a STEM-related discipline (Mathematics, Natural Science, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Computer Application Technology, Information Technology). A Masters Degree in Education specialising in the aforementioned disciplines will also be accepted.
•The Masters degree must be achieved with an average of 70% or above.
•The candidate must be a registered PhD candidate or intending to register within the first or second year of the appointment with clear evidence of research focused on the above-stated specialisations.
•Minimum 1 year in lecturing and/or tutoring or some other form of facilitating learning in the higher education sector in Science, Technology and Mathematics and/or related fields.
•A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) would be an added advantage.
•Experience in teaching STEM related subjects at school level will be an added advantage.