RECRUITING (ONE POST)

PROFESSOR/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/SENIOR LECTURER OF APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY

FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT (5 YEARS)

 AFRICAN CENTRE FOR CROP IMPROVEMENT (ACCI)

SCHOOL OF BIOCHEMISTRY, GENETICS, MICROBIOLOGY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE, PIETERMARITZBURG CAMPUS

UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL, REFERENCE NO: SA63/2006

The African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI) is an externally funded centre, training plant breeders at the PhD level, from 15 African countries. Students undertake two years of academic study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, followed by three years of field research in their home countries, working in their national research programmes.  The ACCI is also undertaking institutional support of several African universities, in the field of Plant Breeding.  The Generation Challenge Programme is funding the position and includes research funding. The School has a well equipped Molecular Biology unit.

The successful candidate will typically be a plant breeder who has developed expertise in the use of biotechnology tools to advance practical plant breeding. S/he will teach postgraduate modules in Plant Biotechnology as it relates to Plant Breeding and supervise students using biotechnology tools in their PhD research. The post will require visiting students in the field, requiring travel in Africa. S/he will undertake independent research in the application of Plant Biotechnology to African food crops, developing a “biotechnology toolbox” for plant breeders.  The incumbent will also assist in the institutional support programme at selected African universities.

Applicants at all three levels will be considered.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

FOR ALL LEVELS:

• A PhD or equivalent degree, in an appropriate field of plant breeding;

• Experience of supervision of postgraduate students or mentoring of junior staff;

• Experience in modern molecular techniques.

PROFESSOR

• Ten years of work experience at tertiary institution/s OR ten years in appropriate industry/ies or research institute/s;

• Independent research competence as demonstrated by international peer-reviewed publications, with a sustained publication record in the field of plant breeding;

• Successful supervision of doctoral students OR management and development of staff in industry.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

• Five years of work experience at tertiary institution/s OR five years in appropriate industry/ies or research institute/s;

• Independent research competence as demonstrated by international peer-reviewed publications, with a sustained publication record in the field of plant breeding;

• Successful supervision of masters and doctoral students.

SENIOR LECTURER

Evidence of current research activity and a record of publication in the field of plant breeding.

ADVANTAGES:

• A current rating by the National Research Foundation for South African candidates;

• Evidence of sourcing and management of research funding.

Applicants must stipulate the level of appointment at which they are applying.

For further information about the ACCI kindly contact the Director, Professor MD Laing, on +27 (0)33 260 5524, via e-mail at laing@ukzn.ac.za or visit the website at http://www.acci.org.za

The remuneration package offered includes benefits and will be dependent on the qualifications and/or experience of the successful applicant. The selection process will commence on 8 December 2006 and will continue until a suitable candidate is appointed or a decision is taken not to fill the post.

All Appointments will be in terms of the prevailing University Employment Equity Policy and the Employment Equity Plan of the faculty/division (available on request). The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to stop the process at any stage to headhunt or re-advertise the post to meet its equity goals. Candidates who do not meet the minimum criteria will not be considered. 

Applicants are required to submit a covering letter, highlighting their experience in each of the minimum requirements listed above, together with a detailed CV including the name, full address, fax number and e-mail address of three referees, to Mrs J. Poulter, Human Resources Administration, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, Fax. No. +27 (0) 33 260 5356 or e-mail poulterj@ukzn.ac.za