Chief Officer

Post Number

8021059 (T074)

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Natural Sciences -> Physics & Astronomy

Type of Position

Permanent – Full Time

Length of Contract Period

N/A

Location

Main Campus – Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

12/7/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a vibrant, diverse and dynamic university, rooted in the African continent with an increasing global reach. UWC actively responds in critical and creative ways to the development needs of the country, within an ever-changing and challenging global context.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of the Western Cape is internationally recognised for its excellence in teaching and research. The faculty comprises nine academic departments, a School of Pharmacy and a number of world-class research institutes and centres. The faculty offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the major scientific disciplines and a professional degree in Pharmacy.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of the Western Cape educates a substantial cohort of undergraduate and post-graduate students. Hands-on experimental work is a core component of undergraduate physics education/training. The Department invites applications for a permanent position of a Chief Technical Officer.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

• Provide leadership in the management and development of undergraduate laboratory sessions.
• Oversee inventories and procurement of laboratory equipment as well as the administration of laboratories and practical demonstrators.
• Oversee the operation of vacuum systems, pumps, and gas-handling infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable performance.
• Facilitate the integration of laboratory equipment with computer systems to enable automated control, real‑time data acquisition, and efficient troubleshooting.
• Integrate relevant educational technologies into the design of undergraduate experimental activities.
• Provide technical support for the maintenance of key research and teaching laboratories.
• Contribute to undergraduate teaching activities in the department.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a Physics or Engineering-related field.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in the management of undergraduate physics/engineering laboratories.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in undergraduate laboratory teaching.
• Demonstrated expertise in vacuum and electronic systems, and equipment-computer interfacing platforms.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and gas systems.

Required competencies:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Communication
• Training skills

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 below 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: [email protected].

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.