Lecturer / Senior Lecturer (Two Positions) - Department of Statistics - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS

LECTURER / SENIOR LECTURER (TWO POSITIONS)

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above vacancy.

The University of Pretorias commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Statistics at the University of Pretoria offers various programs in Statistics to undergraduate and postgraduate students, mainly in two faculties, namely the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science and the Faculty of Economic and Management Science. The Department also presents several service statistical modules and courses in many departments and faculties of the University of Pretoria. Over the years, the Department of Statistics at the University has become a leading statistics department in teaching and learning in South Africa. It also pursues a research-intensive profile with expertise in a number of fields; including statistical theory and methodology, time series analysis, statistical data science, computational statistics, model-based clustering, and biostatistical methodology and application. We are looking to recruit suitably qualified individuals who will enhance and complement our vibrant and robust teaching and learning as well as our research portfolios.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Lecture at undergraduate and postgraduate level on the Hatfield, Groenkloof and / or Mamelodi Campuses;
• Mentoring and supervising postgraduate students;
• Actively conducting independent and collaborative research and publishing research outputs in accredited journals;
• Developing and/or expanding collaboration with academics internationally;
• Initiating and delivering specialist courses at national and international levels;
• Actively participating in administrative duties within the Department.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Lecturer:

• A Masters degree in Statistics or Mathematical Statistics that includes a credit-bearing research dissertation and credit-bearing coursework consisting of core components that align with the required responsibilities of the incumbent;
• An indication of an emerging research career with evidence of accredited publications in core components of the discipline contributing to the literature and scientific field of statistics; at least one recent publication in statistics in an accredited peer viewed journal;
• Enrolled for a PhD degree in Statistics with proof of significant progress with the study;
• Evidence of papers presented at national conferences;
• Proven competency and experience are required in:
  • Teaching statistics modules and courses at undergraduate level as a lecturer;
  • Advanced knowledge of at least one major statistical software programming language;
  • Implementation of efficient teaching models that would be applicable in the university setting

Senior Lecturer (Same as for Lecturer, plus):

• A PhD degree in Statistics or Mathematical Statistics
• A minimum of 5 years experience at an academic institution;
• Proven competency in teaching statistics modules and courses at postgraduate level
• Proven record of curriculum development at the undergraduate and postgraduate level or other specialized professional courses;
• Evidence of papers presented at national and international conferences;
• Proven research publications in accredited journals, of which at least two in the mainstream statistical journals;
• Proven record of supervision of postgraduate Statistics students;
• Evidence of supporting and participating in academic citizenship;
• Recognized by peers as a scholar of high academic standing.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Business acumen:
  • The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations;
• Results orientated:
  • The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals and work to achieve success;
  • The ability to stick with tasks and overcome obstacles in completing tasks;
  • Be reliable, responsible and dependable in fulfilling obligations;
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with conflict situations;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills: the ability to function with ease in the UP environment;
• Leadership:
  • The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together;
  • The ability to manage diverse teams and ensure a sustainable outcome.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the following will be an advantage.

Lecturer and Senior Lecturer:

• Evidence of the relevance, impact and contribution of current research projects to the discipline of Mathematical Statistics/Statistics
• Coordinating and teaching large classes of statistics service courses as well as core statistical modules.

Senior Lecturer:

• An applicable NRF rating or in the process of being rated (for South African applicants).
• Proven experience of supervising Masters and PhD students in the South African context.

PLEASE NOTE: All applicants invited for an interview might be expected to present a lecture on a specific topic. The Department of Statistics reserves the right to request and review copies of academic publications (papers/dissertations/theses) for suitability before any candidate may be invited to an interview.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbents level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za

In applying for these posts, please attach:

• A comprehensive UP format CV, the CV should include an electronic link to the applicants Masters degree dissertation and/or PhD thesis;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact;
• Names and contact details of three peer reviewers (academic and research);
• Teaching Portfolio;
• Research portfolio including a self-assessment of research outputs.

CLOSING DATE: 19 March 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES:

Mrs E Kühn, Tel: (012) 420 2810 or elsabe.kuhn@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Prof SM Millard, Tel: (012) 420 2523 or email: sollie.millard@up.ac.za for post content enquiries.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 May 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.