17 February 2020

(Ref. LSW20/027/0220)

Stellenbosch University seeks to appoint a new Chair to head up the South African Research Chair in Science Communication. The Chair is devoted to research on all aspects of science communication, it is expected to aid in establishing a national research capacity in the field as well as to establish and maintain connections to the international community of scholars in this field. Its research is to address issues of international interest as well as issues of national concern.

The Chair’s research programme constitutes five focus areas:

  • Perceptions and expectations of science among different parts of the SA population (rural, semi-urban and urban);
  • Mass media reporting of science as a source of public perceptions;
  • Science communication and social media – range, formats, quality control, credibility;
  • Science communication and scientific advice for policymaking and specialised target groups; and
  • Science communication by scientists and scientific organisations – motives, audiences, formats.

Duties:

The incumbent will be taking over the Chair for the period 2020-2024. Specifically, the new chair will:

  • Developing and supervising Master’s and Doctoral students in Science Communication in the Science and Technology Studies degree programmes offered by CREST;
  • Maintaining a high number and high quality of research output in the form of accredited and peerreviewed journal articles, book chapters, books, conference proceedings;
  • Maintaining the number and throughput of postgraduate students trained and graduated annually at Master’s and Doctoral level;
  • Providing reports internally to the Director: CREST, the DVC: RIPS and externally to the NRF and any other reports as required;
  • Enhancing, supporting and contributing to the research culture of CREST;
  • Attracting and retaining excellent international and national collaborations in the field;
  • Developing, supporting and funding cohorts of post-doctoral fellows;
  • Writing proposals in order to attract external funding to support the activities and resources required for the Chair.

Requirements:

  • Currently be a full professor or appointable at the level of a full professor;
  • A PhD in the social sciences or humanities (preferably in science communication, sociology of science, science studies or communication and media studies);
  • Demonstrated experience as supervisor of Master’s and Doctoral students;
  • Established record of being an examiner of Master’s and Doctoral students;
  • Evidence of scholarly books and articles in international peer-reviewed journals;
  • Successful and proven track record in securing and managing research funds;
  • Successful track record in research management;
  • Excellent skills in managing a diverse research team;
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.

If from outside South Africa, the incumbent must be willing to devote at least 50% of his/her time to the Chair.

Recommendation: Experienced in social science research methods.

Commencement of duties: 1 July 2020 or soon as possible thereafter

Closing date: 13 March 2020

Enquiries regarding this post: Prof. J Mouton on 021 808 2393, or at jm6@sun.ac.za.

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753.

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of the staff corps, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and e-mail address of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

Apply online at www.sun.ac.za/english/careers

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

Should no feedback be received from the University within six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.