CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The Department of Physics at the Nelson Mandela University is recognized for its outstanding academic programmes and research contributions in the field of condensed matter physics.  The department specializes in the growth and characterization of novel materials (particularly II/VI and III/V semiconductors), photovoltaics, optical fibre technology research and advanced electron microscopy.  The department is strategically positioning itself to strengthen its teaching, research and community engagement responsibility. 

The successful candidate should:

• Facilitate and administer the learning process for students in modules presented by the Physics department at undergraduate and post graduate level.
• Develop appropriate teaching and learning material.
• Do research and contribute to the research activities of the photovoltaics group (preferably, but not exclusively) in the department.  
• Contribute to community engagement and be involved in the core functions of the University.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Facilitate teaching and learning at undergraduate and possibly post graduate level
• Continually develop and update teaching/learning materials to ensure that relevance and quality are maintained.
• Assess and administer student performance in accordance with accepted benchmarks.
• Contribute to the creation of knowledge by virtue of involvement in relevant research and publications in recognised peer-reviewed journals.

• Be involved in community engagement programmes and partnerships with industry and civil society.
• Be involved in the core administrative functions of the university.
• Continually engage in personal professional development programmes.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Effective lecturing of undergraduate and possibly postgraduate physics theory courses at university level.
• A sound knowledge of the theory and application of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and semiconductor physics.
• Good interpersonal skills, a passion for students and the ability to effectively facilitate learning using modern teaching aids.
• Strong skills in computer programming and interfacing.
• Evidence of successful experimental research in physics.

REQUIREMENTS

• The candidate should have, as a minimum, a relevant masters degree in Physics.
• A minimum of two 2 years’ experience in the teaching/lecturing of Physics courses at university (or equivalent) level after obtaining the masters degree in Physics.
• Evidence of peer reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals and participation at international conferences will be an advantage.
• Evidence of involvement in postgraduate teaching and supervision will be an advantage.

**It will be required of the candidate to present a 10-15 minute lecture on a topic, relevant to this post, to an appropriate panel.