The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. Led by its commitment to research and engaged teaching, UWC is recognised for its proud history and as an aspirational example of a university shaping developments within an ever-changing and challenging global context.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences hosts nine academic departments, a School of Pharmacy and several world-class research institutes and centres.  Based on a foundation of internationally-recognised quality research, the faculty is committed to learning and teaching excellence and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the major scientific disciplines as well as a professional degree in Pharmacy. 

 The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is a self-funded flagship research entity within the Department of Biotechnology. Renowned for advancing high-impact, interdisciplinary research in microbial biotechnology and bioinnovation, IMBM’s work is strategically aligned with both national imperatives and global scientific frontiers. The Institute contributes meaningfully to undergraduate teaching, while playing a central role in postgraduate training, infrastructure stewardship, and the cultivation of research excellence. Through cutting-edge “omics” approaches and industry-driven microbial technologies, IMBM drives UWC’s strategic research agenda via well-established national and international collaborations. The post is available from 1 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

• Facilitate learning and teaching at undergraduate levels in biochemistry
• Undertake curriculum development and assessment
• Lead independent high-impact research initiatives aligned with the institute’s strategic focus areas, enhancing international visibility and academic reputation  
• Undertake undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral supervision in microbial biotechnology contributing to research productivity and capacity building
• Provide academic leadership and administration
• Participate in community engagement and outreach
• Contribute meaningfully to the financial sustainability of the IMBM beyond the scope of individual research projects. This includes securing external and donor funding to support operational and strategic activities, cultivating industry partnerships, leading collaborative grant initiatives, and advancing income-generating platforms such as core research facilities, contract research services, and intellectual property commercialization.
• Fulfil any other duties as assigned by the IMBM Director

• PhD in the field of Microbiology, Biochemistry or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating learning and teaching within the field of biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on Biochemistry
• A strong record of quality, internationally peer reviewed publications in the field of microbial biotechnology
• An excellent record of successful postgraduate supervision at MSc and PhD level
• A demonstrated track record of securing competitive funding from diverse external sources as the principal investigator
• Evidence of expertise, national standing, and an international presence in the field of microbial biotechnology
• The integration of community engagement with learning and teaching and/or research

Required competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Adaptability, buy-in and leadership as a senior member of a diverse and self-funded research environment
• Student-focused approach
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Planning and organising skills
• Computer literacy and e-learning skills
• Technical professional knowledge and skills in the discipline and in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership

Added advantage and preferences:

• An NRF rating
• Leadership position in a professional microbiological society
• Experience and leadership in laboratory management
• Leadership in international consortia
• Patents emanating from research conducted, and/or involvement in innovation activities with industry