About this role
LECTURER or SENIOR LECTURER (6 year contract) Marine and Antarctic Research centre for Innovation and Sustainability (MARiS) and the African Climate Development Initiative (ACDI) Faculty of Science The Marine and Antarctic Research Centre for Innovation and Sustainability (MARiS) and the African Climate Development Initiative (ACDI) are seeking to jointly appoint a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in the field of marine social science, with expertise in the integrative methodologies, governance arrangements and pedagogies that enable transdisciplinary marine and coastal research to translate into decision-making and societal change. The post holder will be an academic member of staff in the Department of Biological Sciences, and a Research Associate in the ACDI. The post-holder will be a member of a new cross-university interdisciplinary climate resilience and sustainability programme, the Africa Climate Collaborative, hosted by the ACDI in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. They will provide teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the Department of Biological Sciences and MARiS, and for a new Master’s programme and a Doctoral training academy convened by the ACDI. Requirements of the job at Lecturer level: A PhD degree in an area cognate to interdisciplinary marine social sciences, such as geography, sustainability sciences, environmental anthropology and other relevant fields, A track record of research publications, commensurate with career stage; including evidence of inter-and transdisciplinary research, Evidence of commitment to socially engaged marine and coastal research, and Evidence of methodological work that bridges qualitative and quantitative approaches in the service of decision-making under complexity. Additional requirements of the job at Senior Lecturer level: At least two years of post-PhD academic and/or practice experience, Significant teaching experience at university level, Experience in course convening at undergrad or postgraduate levels, Experience in supervision of Masters and/or PhD students, A track record of research publications, commensurate with career stage, and Evidence of active contribution to administration. Responsibilities: Develop and teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses on sustainable ocean governance, marine social-ecological systems and processes, transdisciplinary research methods, climate adaptation in marine and coastal contexts, and related areas; Contribute at least one teaching block to the new Doctoral Training Academy; Supervise postgraduate students; Contribute to the departmental MARiS and Africa Climate Collaborative administration; Participate in MARiS and Africa Climate Collaborative activities; Pursue a personal research programme that is socially responsive and publish this research in high quality journals; and Contribute to joint research projects and research proposals. For the Senior Lecturer position, the incumbent will be required to co-convene the Applied Ocean Science Masters programme and to contribute to its management and development in collaboration with other South African universities in the ocean sciences, including curriculum development and integration across university departments and partner universities. The annual cost of employment for 2026, including benefits for Lecturer level is R974 126 The annual cost of employment for 2026, including benefits for Senior Lecturer level is R1 207 358 To apply , please visit UCT Internal Careers site (For Internal Applicants) and UCT_Careers site_(For external Applicants) to create a profile and submit your application. You will need to attach your CV, a one-page teaching statement and a motivation letter that speaks to the specific requirements of the position. Any enquiries around the application process to be addressed to Ms Abigail Dixon at [email protected] or 021 650 1673 An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be required to deliver a presentation. Closing date: 7 September 2026 Website: https://acdi.uct.ac.za/ UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/oic/employment-equity When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email [email protected] . The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.