Lecturer (Contract Appointment): Department of Historical and Constructive Theology

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications for a dedicated Lecturer to join the Department of Historical and Constructive Theology. This is a 2-year contract position based at the Bloemfontein Campus, offering an excellent opportunity to contribute to academic excellence in South Africa.

As a Lecturer, you will be instrumental in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules, conducting impactful research, and supervising students within the Faculty of Theology and Religion. This role requires strong academic leadership and active participation in departmental and faculty administration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Delivering engaging undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Church History or Church Polity.
• Actively conducting research in a relevant field of Church History or Church Polity.
• Synthesising knowledge through the publication of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Presenting research findings at scientific conferences.
• Seeking funding for research from international and national funding organisations.
• Actively participating in the professional academic community.
• Supervising postgraduate students at master’s and PhD levels.
• Actively participating in leadership and administration at Departmental and Faculty levels.

Inherent Job Requirements

To be considered for this vital role, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Church History, Systematic Theology, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven experience in delivering poster or oral presentations at academic conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that demonstrate potential for publication in accredited journals.
• A strong academic record (a copy of your academic record must be attached to your application).

Recommendations (Advantageous Skills & Experience)

Preference will be given to candidates who also possess the following:

• A specialisation in Church History or Church Polity.
• At least one (1) year of teaching experience in a higher education environment, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., Church History Society of Southern Africa; Theological Society of South Africa) – proof of registration is required.
• The ability to teach effectively using digital skills and competence.
• Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) such as Blackboard, or related institutional systems and the ability to navigate them efficiently.

Key Competencies Required

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following key competencies:

• Results-Oriented: Ability to adapt to a changing environment, be reliable, responsible, dependable, and fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to be creative, open-minded, and use logic to analyse information and address issues.
• Business Acumen: Adherence to rules, strict following of work regulations, and proficiency in using MS Office.
• Leading: Ability to lead, take charge of situations, offer opinions, directions to others, and be cooperative.
• Building Coalitions: Ability to interact with others, establish personal connections, and make decisions through consultation and collaboration.

Required Documents for Application

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

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

Please note: The application system allows a maximum of eight attachments. We strongly recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files to avoid upload issues.

Application Details & Important Dates

• Assumption of Duties: 1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
• Closing Date: 9 November 2025
• Salary: Available upon request.
• Fringe Benefits: (Subject to specific conditions) Includes pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus, and study benefits.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications received via any other platform will not be considered.

Click the link below to apply directly:

Apply for this Lecturer Position Online

Enquiries

For any enquiries regarding this position, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email [email protected]. For technical assistance with the application process, you may contact 051 401 9810 / 9814 / 9848.

General Information

The University of the Free State is a designated employer committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets as per its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including individuals with disabilities.

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Any personal information provided will be treated as confidential.

The UFS reserves the right not to fill this post. Only applications from candidates who meet all the inherent requirements will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you do not hear from the University within six weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.