Senior Lecturer Role at The Rhodes University – Apply Now!

📍 Location: Makhanda, Eastern Cape
🏛️ Division: 0104 – Literary Studies in English
🕒 Job Type: Permanent
🎓 Level: Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor
⏳ Closing Date: 20 January 2026
💰 Salary: R1 069 564 – R1 270 054 per annum (CTC)

About Rhodes University

Rhodes University is a research-intensive institution renowned for academic excellence, intellectual rigor, and a strong commitment to social impact. Located in Makhanda, the University fosters an inclusive and transformative academic environment grounded in values of collegiality, respect, diversity, and ethical leadership.

The Department of Literary Studies in English is dedicated to advancing the study of literature, critical theory, and creative inquiry. The department emphasizes innovative teaching, high-quality research, interdisciplinary engagement, and the development of graduates capable of impactful scholarly contributions.

Role Overview

The Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor will contribute to high-level teaching, curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, and scholarly research in Literary Studies in English. The role requires academic leadership, active participation in departmental and institutional initiatives, and engagement across teaching, research, community involvement, and professional service.

Candidates appointed at Associate Professor level are expected to demonstrate advanced academic leadership, a strong research record, and a significant role in institutional development and strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Literary Studies in English

• Curriculum design, review, and enhancement

• Supervising postgraduate students at Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral levels

• Conducting sustained, high-quality scholarly research

• Contributing to departmental administration, leadership, and academic planning

• Supporting community engagement and professional service initiatives

• Participating in faculty- and university-level governance structures

• Providing academic leadership in teaching, research, or community engagement (Associate Professor level)

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in Literary Studies in English

• Demonstrated teaching experience in the field

• A strong interest or background in Literary Theory

• A track record of research publications appropriate to the academic level

Added Advantages

Expertise in any of the following specialisations:

• Postmodernist Literature

• Digital Humanities

• Ecology and Environmental Literature

• Oceanic Studies

• Film Studies

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A comprehensive CV with detailed qualifications

• A list of referees (direct supervisors preferred)

• Reasons for leaving previous positions

• A strong motivation letter addressing suitability

• All qualifications and supporting documentation

Failure to submit complete documentation results in automatic disqualification.

Benefits of Working with Rhodes University

• Competitive academic salary packages (senior lecturer and associate professor tiers)

• Access to world-class academic resources and research infrastructure

• Opportunities for professional growth through academic development programmes

• Participation in a collegial and intellectually stimulating academic community

• A supportive institutional culture guided by values of excellence, diversity, respect, compassion, and integrity

• Possibility of permanent appointment or long-term contract (minimum three years)

CV Tips 

• Ensure your publication record is clearly structured, listing accredited journals, book chapters, monographs, and conference contributions.

• Highlight teaching experience, including course development, innovative pedagogy, and teaching evaluations.

• Demonstrate postgraduate supervision experience, including completions and current candidates.

• Provide evidence of research leadership, such as edited volumes, grants, NRF ratings, collaborations, and keynote invitations.

• Clearly present your specialist fields, especially if aligned with the department’s preference areas (e.g., Digital Humanities, Environmental Literature).

• Include community engagement or outreach activities aligned with the humanities sector.

• Ensure your motivation letter succinctly connects your profile to Rhodes University’s academic vision.

Employment Equity & Policy Statement

Rhodes University is committed to equality, diversity, and transformation. Preference is given to South African citizens from underrepresented designated groups and persons with disabilities. All applications are subject to verification checks, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. The University reserves the right not to fill the position.

Rhodes University upholds core institutional values including Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Collegiality, and Compassion. These values guide governance decisions, academic engagement, and institutional conduct.