Lecturer in Anthropology at The UP – Apply Now!

📍 Location: Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria
🕒 Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
🧑‍🏫 Department: Anthropology, Archaeology & Development Studies
🆔 Job ID: 26201
📅 Closing Date: 16 January 2026

About the University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive institutions, ranked among the top universities globally for academic excellence, innovation, and community impact. The Faculty of Humanities is committed to developing graduates who are socially aware, research-driven, and prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Department of Anthropology, Archaeology & Development Studies trains students to understand the complexities of human societies, past and present, through rigorous academic teaching and internationally recognised research.

Role Overview

The Lecturer in Anthropology will be responsible for delivering undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, supervising research students, conducting high-quality independent research, and contributing to departmental academic administration and strategic initiatives. The role is best suited for a scholar with strong ethnographic expertise, research capability, and a passion for academic excellence and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Teaching and curriculum development at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Social Anthropology

• Supervising postgraduate students and contributing to academic growth

• Producing internationally competitive research output

• Participating in departmental strategic initiatives including teaching innovation, research development, community engagement, and fundraising

• Performing academic administration and duties allocated by the Head of Department

Qualifications & Experience

• A doctoral degree in Social Anthropology OR proof that the PhD thesis has been submitted for examination

• At least one peer-reviewed publication in an accredited journal

• Demonstrated teaching experience at tertiary level

• Strong competency in ethnographic and empirical research methodologies

• Effective communication, mentoring, and interpersonal skills

• Proficiency in relevant academic and digital tools

• Independent research experience

Added Advantages

• Expertise in Environmental Anthropology, Organisational Anthropology, or Anthropology of Science

• Proven ability to conduct high-level fieldwork and publish internationally

• Strong potential to contribute to departmental growth

Benefits of Working with the University of Pretoria

• Competitive academic remuneration aligned with UP policy

• Membership contribution to BESTMED or UMVUZO medical aid (50% employer contribution)

• Access to a world-class academic environment and research support

• Opportunities for professional development, academic networking, and research funding

• A diverse and inclusive academic community committed to excellence

CV Tips

• Highlight your research specialisation, especially if aligned with UP’s preferred fields (Environmental, Organisational, Science Anthropology).

• Clearly list peer-reviewed publications, including journals, chapters, and conference papers.

• Provide evidence of teaching excellence, such as student evaluations, course design, or teaching portfolio extracts.

• Demonstrate supervision experience, even at Honours level.

• Include all fieldwork experience, methodologies used, and research outputs produced.

• Present your academic career in a structure consistent with HEQSF and NRF expectations.

• Tailor your motivation letter to show how you will contribute to teaching, research, and community engagement.

Employment Policy

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, diversity, and employment equity. Preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, in line with UP’s Employment Equity Plan. All applicants must be willing to undergo verification of qualifications and personal credentials. UP reserves the right not to make an appointment.