Permanent
Lecturer
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
unknown
About this role
Employer: Durban University of Technology
With more than 34400 students, and approximately 1700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology proudly located in the beautiful cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, along the warm east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the historic merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots tracing back to 1907.
Today, DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. A proud member of the International Association of Universities, DUT continues to expand its influence across South Africa and the world. In the 2025 Webometrics Rankings, DUT was ranked among the Top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact and strong global visibility.
DUT’s Philosophy of Education, “*Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society*” reflects the institution’s deep commitment to meaningful impact for societal transformation. Guided by its inspirational and aspirational ENVISION2030 strategy, which is rooted in DUT’s DNA of being ‘*people-centred and engaged*’ and ‘*innovative and entrepreneurial*’ and underpinned by its bespoke Living Values Framework, DUT focuses on ‘*contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods’*.
The University comprises six diverse Faculties:
1. Accounting and Informatics
2. Applied Science
3. Arts & Design
4. Engineering and the Built Environment
5. Health Sciences
6. Management Sciences
DUT also includes a Business School and the award-winning Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), amongst other research centres and institutes, reinforcing its role as a hub for knowledge, innovation and societal impact. Over the years, the University substantially grown its research output, dominating the UoT sector. This is evidenced by the steady increase of NRF-rated researchers and the notable, unprecedented award of seven NRF SARCHi Chairs in 2025. This impetus helps us to remain deeply engaged with our communities glocally, thereby transforming societies and economies.
At DUT, we believe in nurturing talent and empowering people to make a real difference. If you are passionate about contributing to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement, DUT offers the ideal environment - *Creative. Distinctive. Impactful*.
LECTURER
* Master’s Degree in Horticulture/ Horticultural Science/ Plant Science.
* Three (3) years teaching experience in horticulture at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels
* Experience in teaching ecology, environmental sustainability, ornamental horticulture, conservation horticulture, landscape planning and design.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Lecture horticulture and landscape-related modules or other related modules as deemed necessary by the Head of the Department.
* Develop appropriate teaching aids and perform theoretical and practical assessments for students.
* Upgrading of course content to keep up with the latest developments in the discipline.
* Assist in curriculum development and writing appropriate course material.
* Participate in departmental activities including outreach work and community engagement.
* Conduct research in the field of expertise and publish in reputable journals.
* Demonstrate the ability to secure external research grants.
* Acquire research funding and build a research portfolio within the field of horticulture and plant biodiversity.
* Contribute to community/ external engagement activities.
* Develop short courses to generate third-stream income sources for the department.
* Participate in departmental committees.
* Perform administrative duties assigned by the Head of Department.
Recommendations
* Research supervision to completion of Honours students’ research projects.
* A developing profile of research publications in DHET accredited peer-reviewed journals and/or conference proceedings.
* Knowledge and experience in implementing quality assurance standards
* Demonstrate proficiency in data analysis software packages such as R, Genstat, and/ or SPSS.
* Up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends in the field of horticulture and landscaping.
* Good interpersonal skills and ability to engage industry partners, staff, and students.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining a high level of productivity.
* Membership in at least one relevant learned society and involvement in the national and/or international wider academic community.
Position grade: 8
Enquiries: Preciousz2@dut.ac.za
Status of Position: Permanent
Applications should include:
* A fully completed prescribed application form which can be obtained from DUT website (under the QUICK LINKS tab - @careers)
* A detailed curriculum vitae (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above-mentioned fields)
* Covering Letter
* Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates
* ID Copy
* Matric Certificate
* Current contact information of referees
Please note:
*While the DUT strives to ensure equal opportunities, preference will be given to suitable candidates in accordance with the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and aligned to its strategic objectives.*
The Durban University of Technology reserves the right not to make an appointment.
*Correspondence will only be made with shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive communication from the University, please consider your application unsuccessful.*
*Successful candidates will be subject to background checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, criminal record screening. Submission of an application constitutes consent to these checks. The University may also require psychometric or other assessments where justified by the requirements of the* position.