The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. Led by its commitment to research and engaged teaching, UWC is recognised for its proud history and as an aspirational example of a university shaping developments within an ever-changing and challenging global context.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences hosts nine academic departments, a School of Pharmacy and several world-class research institutes and centres.  Based on a foundation of internationally-recognised quality research, the faculty is committed to learning and teaching excellence and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the major scientific disciplines as well as a professional degree in Pharmacy.

The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is a self-funded flagship research entity within the Department of Biotechnology. Renowned for advancing high-impact, interdisciplinary research in microbial biotechnology and bioinnovation, IMBM’s work is strategically aligned with both national imperatives and global scientific frontiers. The Institute contributes meaningfully to undergraduate teaching, while playing a central role in postgraduate training, infrastructure stewardship, and the cultivation of research excellence. Through cutting-edge “omics” approaches and industry-driven microbial technologies, IMBM drives UWC’s strategic research agenda via well-established national and international collaborations.

The successful candidate for Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer in the IMBM will be responsible for the following key performance areas: 

• Facilitate learning and teaching at undergraduate levels in biochemistry
• Undertake curriculum development and assessment
• Lead independent high-impact research initiatives aligned with the institute’s strategic focus areas, enhancing international visibility and academic reputation
• Undertake undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral supervision in microbial biotechnology contributing to research productivity and capacity building
• Provide academic leadership and administration
• Participate in community engagement and outreach
• Contribute meaningfully to the financial sustainability of the IMBM beyond the scope of individual research projects. This includes securing external and donor funding to support operational and strategic activities, cultivating industry partnerships, leading collaborative grant initiatives, and advancing income-generating platforms such as core research facilities, contract research services, and intellectual property commercialization
• Fulfil any other duties as assigned by the IMBM Director

Minimum Requirements - Associate Professor 

• PhD in the field of Microbiology, Biochemistry or a closely related discipline
• Sustained excellence in facilitating learning and teaching, including curriculum design, within the field of biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on Biochemistry
• A strong record of quality, internationally peer reviewed publications as the principal investigator in the field of microbial biotechnology
• An excellent record of successful postgraduate supervision at MSc and PhD level
• A demonstrated track record of securing competitive funding from diverse external sources as the principal investigator
• Evidence of expertise, national standing, and an international presence in the field of microbial biotechnology
• Strong contribution to institutional service is required, along with evidence of leadership in professional associations
• The integration of community engagement with learning and teaching and/or research

For the post of Senior Lecturer, the following minimum requirements shall apply: 

• PhD in the field of Microbiology, Biochemistry or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating learning and teaching within the field of biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on Biochemistry
• A sustained record of quality peer reviewed publications in high impact journals, in the field of microbial biotechnology
• Record of securing competitive funding as the principal investigator
• Evidence of a developing research leadership profile in microbial biotechnology
• A record of successful postgraduate supervision at the Honours and Masters level
• Active contribution to institutional committees at the departmental, faculty, or university level
• Evidence of initiating community engagement activity integrated with learning and teaching and/or research

Key Competencies 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Presentation and facilitation skills
• Adaptability, buy-in and leadership as a senior member of a diverse and self-funded research environment
• Student-focused approach
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Planning and organizing skills
• Computer literacy and e-learning skills
• Technical professional knowledge and skills in the discipline and in the core strategic areas, namely learning and teaching, research and scholarship, community engagement as well as professional leadership

Added Advantages include:

• An NRF rating
• Leadership position in a professional microbiological society
• Experience and leadership in laboratory management
• Leadership in international consortia
• Patents emanating from research conducted, and/or involvement in innovation activities with industry

IMPORTANT APPLICATION REQUIREMENT

IMBM operates as a self-funded research institute with shared facilities and collaborative grant structures. Applicants must submit a brief motivation (maximum 2 pages) addressing the following:

1.             Why they believe their research programme is a strong fit for IMBM and its focus on microbial biotechnology, particularly within omics-driven and translational research

2.             How they would establish and sustain an independent research programme within a self-funded research institute environment

Applications without a clear and substantive proposal addressing these areas will not be considered.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

30 JUNE 2026

For further information (but not applications), please contact Prof Marla Trindade at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..