Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor

Drama Department

The Drama Department invite suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

The Department

The Rhodes University Drama Department is one of the foremost institutions for studying theatre and performance in South Africa. We have an illustrious history with a long list of acclaimed and award-winning graduates. The department offers an integrated approach to drama studies incorporating a broad range of disciplines:  acting, directing, movement, physical theatre, choreography, applied theatre, theatre design, writing, theatre technology and arts administration. We have a team of distinguished professional artists and academics, who have committed their careers to providing a solid academic foundation and hands on training.

Located in the home of the National Arts Festival, students have the opportunity of being part of the biggest annual celebration of the arts in Africa. The Rhodes Drama department is the only one in the country to have two affiliated professional theatre companies – the First Physical Theatre Company and UBOM! Eastern Cape Theatre Company.

Main Objectives

All academics are responsible for the dissemination of knowledge (teaching and learning), creation of knowledge (research) and community engagement, recognising that there are differences in the execution of these responsibilities within the various departments and Faculties.  Academics are also expected to assume some administrative, management and/or leadership duties at the departmental, Faculty and/or University level.

In addition, a Professor and Associate Professor are to provide academic leadership in the following areas: teaching and learning; research and community engagement as well as to contribute towards the governance of the institution.

The Requirements

Senior Lecturer:

• A PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies.
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels is required.
• Experience teaching in the following disciplinary areas: Acting (practice and theory), Contemporary Performance (practice and theory), Writing for Theatre and Performance (practice and theory).
• Evidence of research supervision of at least Master’s degrees to completion required.
• Evidence of practice-based research.
• Evidence of community engagement.
• Emerging national profile in the discipline and credible publication record in peer-reviewed publications.
• Track record of administration, management, and/or leadership roles (leadership roles may be informal).

Associate Professor:

• A PhD in Theatre and Performance Studies.
• Considerable teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Experience teaching in the following disciplinary areas: Acting (practice and theory), Contemporary Performance (practice and theory), Writing for Theatre and Performance (practice and theory).
• Evidence of supervision of Masters degrees to completion is required. Supervising PhD degrees to completion is an advantage.
• Considerable evidence of practice-based research.
• Evidence of community engagement.
• National and emerging international profile in the discipline and substantial publication record in peer-reviewed publications.

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile and further particulars for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications which should include the following: -
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation which tells us your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.

Please note, no hand-written applications will be considered. Failure to submit all documentation will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application can be submitted to hrrecruitment@ru.ac.za.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for 14 October 2024.
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum:

Senior Lecturer

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum:                          R 742,411

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately):             R 960,928

Associate Professor

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum:                          R 887,318

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately):             R 1,141,001

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three-years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview.  Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Rhodes University has a vaccination mandate as part of its Conditions of Service.  The implementation of the vaccine mandate has been held in abeyance from 01 January 2023.  Should the COVID-19 situation change in a way that the number of cases of COVID-19 pose a threat to the University, the implementation of the Vaccine Mandate will be re-activated and all staff would be required to be fully vaccinated.

Closing Date: 04 November 2024

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply. Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022 and the University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are:
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion