Lecturer (Contract appointment: 2 years): Department of Old and New Testament Studies (Job ID: 6274) – (1961)

Are you a highly motivated and experienced academic with a passion for Old and New Testament Studies? The University of the Free State (UFS) is looking for a Lecturer to join their esteemed Department of Old and New Testament Studies on a two-year contract at their Bloemfontein Campus.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated scholar to contribute to both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, conduct impactful research, and supervise future theologians and researchers.

About the University of the Free State (UFS)

The University of the Free State (UFS) is a leading South African higher education institution dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Located in Bloemfontein, UFS provides a vibrant learning and research environment for students and staff.

About the Role

As a Lecturer, you will play a crucial role in the academic life of the Department of Old and New Testament Studies. This is a contract position for two years, starting on 1 February 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Key Responsibilities

Your main duties will include:

• Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules in New Testament.
• Presenting undergraduate modules in New Testament Greek.
• Actively conducting research within the broad field of New Testament and its interdisciplinary connections.
• Publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed and DHET-accredited journals.
• Presenting research findings at scientific conferences.
• Seeking external funding for research projects from national and international organisations.
• Engaging actively with the professional academic community.
• Supervising Master’s and PhD students in their research.
• Participating in leadership and administrative tasks at both Departmental and Faculty levels.
• Contributing to scholarly engagement opportunities, including research, community outreach, and in-service learning initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in New Testament.
• Completed 16-32 credits of Greek at a third-year level (NQF 7), with at least 8-16 credits specifically in New Testament Greek, Early Christian Literature, and/or Greek Rhetoric (New Testament rhetoric preferred) accumulated during your studies.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering poster or oral presentations at academic conferences or similar events.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that show potential for publication in DHET-accredited journals.
• A strong academic record (please attach a copy with your application).

Desirable Skills & Experience (Recommendations)

Preference will be given to candidates who also possess:

• Further graduate qualifications in Greek.
• At least one (1) year of teaching experience in a higher education environment, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Published at least two articles in accredited national and/or international journals.
• Proficiency in digital teaching methods and tools.
• Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) such as Blackboard, or similar institutional systems, and the ability to navigate them effectively.

Required Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong competencies in the following areas:

• Results-Oriented: Ability to adapt to changing environments, reliability, responsibility, and commitment to fulfilling obligations.
• Strategic Thinking: Creativity, open-mindedness in problem-solving, and the ability to analyse information logically.
• Business Acumen: Adherence to rules and regulations, and proficiency in MS Office.
• Leading: Ability to lead, take charge, offer guidance, and foster a cooperative, good-natured team environment.
• Building Coalitions: Strong interpersonal skills, ability to establish connections, and make decisions through consultation and collaboration.

How to Apply

Please note: Applications can only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications sent via any other platform will not be considered.

To apply, visit the official UFS vacancy website and follow the application process. You can find the direct link to this job posting at: Apply for Lecturer Position at UFS

When applying, please ensure you submit all required documents. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, it is recommended to merge some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

Required Documents for Application:

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED! You must submit ALL documents listed under the “Minimum Requirements” section, along with the following standard documents:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your South African Identity Document (ID) or passport (for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment (e.g., letter, contract, service certificate, or recent payslip) from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Important Information

Closing Date: 9 November 2025

Salary: The salary for this position is available upon request.

Fringe Benefits: Successful candidates will be eligible for fringe benefits (subject to specific conditions) which may include a pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus, and study benefits.

Enquiries: For any questions, please contact 051 401 9813 or email [email protected]. Additional assistance can be obtained by contacting 051 401 9810 / 9814 / 9848.

The University of the Free State is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer. They are committed to diversity and redress in achieving their equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities.

The University processes personal information in line with POPIA and reserves the right not to fill the post. Only applications from candidates who meet all inherent requirements will be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If you are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.