[APES Jobs] FW: [saabnet] Temporary Teaching Position: Plant Diversity & Evolution

[Bursaries, Employment and Career Opportunities in Environmental Fields]

Prof Barend Erasmus
Exxaro Chair in Global Change and Sustainability Research and
Director:  Global Change and Sustainability Research Institute (GCSRI)
University of the Witwatersrand

+27 11 717 6602 (office)


-----Original Message-----
From: Quenton Kritzinger [mailto:Quenton.Kritzinger at up.ac.za] 
Sent: 15 July 2014 08:19 PM
To: Saabnet
Subject: [saabnet] Temporary Teaching Position: Plant Diversity & Evolution

** Reply Requested When Convenient **

*Temporary Teaching Position: Plant Diversity & Evolution*

The Botany Department at Rhodes University is looking for an enthusiastic scientist to teach a *three-week course on Plant Diversity and Evolution at first year level. * The course is a module of the Botany 102 course and covers the evolution and diversity of plants, including the origin of land plants, ancestors and relatives of land plants, fossil plants, diversity of land plants, adaptations to life on land, water transport, life cycles and reproduction and the relationships between extant and extinct plant groups.

The class comprises of about 120 students. The course runs over three weeks from 11 to 29 August 2014. The post will require the incumbent to prepare and present lectures, to prepare and run two practical classes a week for three weeks, and to set and mark test and exam questions, including some supplementary exams. Exams are written in November and supplementary exams in January. Lecture materials and a prac manual are available, and the course follows a textbook that comes with associated teaching materials. Lecturers are supported by experienced technical and administrative staff.

The incumbent should have a PhD in Botany or Plant Sciences, or be very close to completing one. Because of the size of the class and the diversity of educational backgrounds among the students, the ability to teach effectively in this context is essential. Relevant teaching experience, especially in large classes, will be a strong advantage. Remuneration will be according to qualifications and experience.

This position will suit someone interested in a career in academia, as it will expose them to a range of academic activities in a collegial and supportive environment. Rhodes is a small university with a safe, attractive campus and a vibrant academic culture. Class sizes are relatively small and the student body diverse, and Rhodes ranks as one of the top universities in South Africa in terms of undergraduate pass and graduation rates.

Applications should comprise a short CV (including details of two contactable referees), a brief covering letter stating their interest in, and suitability for, the position and a copy of their academic record. Interested applicants are asked to send their applications or direct any enquiries to Dr Susi Vetter (s.vetter at ru.ac.za <mailto:s.vetter at ru.ac.za> or 046 603 7398).

The deadline for applications is 18 July 2014. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed informally by phone, skype or (if living nearby) in person. All candidates will be informed of the outcome by 25 July.