Senior Lecturer University Johannesburg Job 2026: Permanent Faculty of Humanities Vacancy Open

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has announced an exciting permanent employment opportunity for an experienced academic to join its Faculty of Humanities as a Senior Lecturer within the Department of Communication and Media Studies. Senior Lecturer University Johannesburg

This position is ideal for highly qualified professionals with extensive teaching, research, and industry experience in Film and Television, Screen Studies, Broadcast Journalism, Multimedia Production, Documentary Production, African Cinema, Streaming Platforms, and Screenwriting.

If you have a passion for academic excellence, research innovation, and developing future media professionals, this permanent position offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career at one of South Africa’s leading universities.

Job Overview

About the University of Johannesburg

The University of Johannesburg continues to position itself as one of Africa’s leading universities through its UJ Strategy 2035, which focuses on:

• Societal Impact and Sustainability
• Global Partnerships
• Innovation and Research
• Technology for the Future
• Excellence in Teaching and Learning

The university’s mission is to transform and serve humanity through innovation, research, collaboration, and knowledge creation while preparing graduates capable of solving modern global challenges.

Senior Lecturer University Johannesburg Responsibilities

Successful candidates will become part of an academic department responsible for producing highly skilled graduates in communication, film, journalism and media studies.

Primary responsibilities include:

Teaching and Learning

The successful candidate will:

• Prepare undergraduate and postgraduate lectures.
• Present practical and theoretical classes.
• Develop new learning material.
• Design and update academic modules.
• Assess assignments, examinations and practical work.
• Deliver modules including:
  • Film and Television
  • Screen Studies
  • African Cinema
  • Streaming Platforms
  • Documentary Production
  • Screenwriting
  • Multimedia Production

Senior Lecturer University Johannesburg Research Responsibilities

Research excellence forms an important part of this role.

Responsibilities include:

• Publishing high-quality accredited research.
• Building a strong research portfolio.
• Meeting DHET publication standards.
• Collaborating with academic colleagues.
• Developing research partnerships.
• Securing research grants where possible.
• Supervising postgraduate research.
• Supporting knowledge exchange with industry.

Senior Lecturer University Johannesburg Supervision Duties

The university expects the successful applicant to contribute significantly to postgraduate development.

Responsibilities include:

• Recruiting postgraduate students.
• Supervising Master’s and PhD candidates.
• Mentoring early-career researchers.
• Participating in Higher Degrees Committees.
• Chairing postgraduate examinations where required.

Senior Lecturer University Johannesburg Community Engagement

Academic staff are expected to contribute beyond the classroom.

Activities include:

• Participating in faculty committees.
• Reviewing research proposals.
• Presenting at conferences.
• Delivering seminars and workshops.
• Publishing opinion articles.
• Participating in media interviews.
• Supporting community engagement initiatives.

Senior Lecturer University Johannesburg Administrative Responsibilities

Additional duties include:

• Supporting departmental leadership.
• Coordinating academic activities.
• Promoting creative outputs.
• Organising Work-Integrated Learning opportunities.
• Completing administrative responsibilities assigned by the Head of Department.

Senior Lecturer University Johannesburg Minimum Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in:
  • Film and Television
  • Screen Studies
  • Broadcast Journalism
  • Or another closely related discipline
• Five to seven years of teaching experience within higher education.
• Practical experience in film, television and screen production.
• Experience using Moodle Learning Management System.
• Proficiency in:
  • Zoom
  • Moodle
  • Microsoft Teams
• Experience with editing and production software.

Recommended Experience

The University of Johannesburg will favour applicants with:

• Professional broadcasting experience.
• Film production experience.
• Multimedia industry experience.
• Proven creative outputs.
• Strong publication record.
• Research funding experience.
• Industry collaborations.

Required Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong academic writing ability.
• Leadership qualities.
• Teamwork.
• Creative production expertise.
• Editing and screenwriting skills.
• Strong organisational ability.
• Professional ethics.
• Commitment to academic excellence.

Employment Screening

Applicants should note that, in accordance with amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2021, the University of Johannesburg is legally required to screen all prospective employees against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO).

The outcome of this verification process may affect employment decisions.

Why Consider Working at UJ?

The University of Johannesburg offers employees an opportunity to:

• Join one of Africa’s leading universities.
• Work in an internationally recognised institution.
• Build a respected academic career.
• Conduct impactful research.
• Supervise postgraduate students.
• Collaborate with industry professionals.
• Influence the future of communication and media education in South Africa.

How to Apply for the Senior Lecturer University Johannesburg Job

Interested candidates should prepare all required supporting documents before submitting their applications through the University’s official recruitment platform.

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all qualifications, employment history, research experience and publications are accurately reflected on their applications.

Before applying, make sure you:

• Update your CV.
• Ensure your contact details are correct.
• Upload clear certified documents if requested.
• Double-check your academic information.
• Apply well before the closing date.
• Keep copies of your application confirmation.

Submitting an incomplete application may reduce your chances of being shortlisted.

TRAINTOWORK Advice

If you qualify for this opportunity, do not wait until the final day to apply. Municipal recruitment systems often experience heavy traffic close to the closing date, and last-minute technical problems could prevent your application from being submitted successfully.

Before applying, make sure your CV is updated, your academic records are ready, and your proof of residence is available. Even if you are still completing your qualification and only require workplace exposure to graduate, this programme could provide the practical experience you need to complete your studies and strengthen your future employment prospects.

Also continue applying for similar internships and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities instead of relying on a single application.

Contact Information

Academic Enquiries

Head of Department: Prof. Admire Mare

Telephone: (011) 559 3776

Human Capital Enquiries

Mrs Hanisha Bhaga

Telephone: (011) 559 3331

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is this Senior Lecturer University Johannesburg position located?

The position is based in Gauteng at the University of Johannesburg.

2. Is the position permanent?

Yes. This is a permanent academic appointment.

3. Which faculty is recruiting?

The vacancy is within the Faculty of Humanities, Department of Communication and Media Studies.

4. What qualification is required?

Applicants must possess a PhD (NQF Level 10) in Film and Television, Screen Studies, Broadcast Journalism or a closely related discipline.

5. How much experience is required?

Candidates should have five to seven years of teaching and production experience within a higher education environment.

6. What subjects will the successful candidate teach?

Modules may include:

• Film and Television
• Screen Studies
• African Cinema
• Documentary Production
• Streaming Platforms
• Multimedia Production
• Screenwriting

7. Will research be part of the role?

Yes. The successful applicant will conduct research, publish academic work, supervise postgraduate students and contribute to the department’s research profile.

8. Does the University conduct background checks?

Yes. Applicants will be assessed against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) in accordance with South African legislation.

9. Is industry experience an advantage?

Yes. Professional experience in broadcasting, film production or multimedia industries is highly recommended.

10. Who should applicants contact for enquiries?

Applicants may contact:

• Prof. Admire Mare for academic enquiries.
• Mrs Hanisha Bhaga for remuneration and employment-related enquiries.