Associate Professor

University of the Western Cape — Community & Health Sciences — Sport, Recreation & Exercise Science (SRES)

Type of Position:
Permanent — Full Time

Closing Date: 13/2/2026

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) enjoys national and international acclaim for its continuing contribution to democratic change in South Africa and for making quality education accessible to all South Africans and developing centres of excellence of national importance. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and supportive Faculty dedicated to teaching and research, as well as to overall student development.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and willing to make a significant contribution to the development of the Faculty. The post requires the incumbent to develop, grow and drive Sport Science/Biokinetics related initiatives at UWC that are nationally and internationally recognised. The department offers the following accredited programmes:
Bachelor of Arts in Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Science, Bachelor of Arts Honours in Sport and Exercise Science (with Sport Conditioning, and Community Health Promotion through Sport options), Bachelor of Science Honours in Biokinetics, Bachelor of Arts Honours in Biokinetics, Master of Arts in Biokinetics, Master of Science in Biokinetics, Master of Arts in Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science, Doctor of Philosophy.

• Facilitate learning and teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the SRES department.
• Conduct research and publish in the field of Sport Sciences.
• Undertake undergraduate and postgraduate supervision.
• Undertake curriculum development and assessment.
• Undertake community engagement and outreach.
• Provide academic leadership.
• Responsible for application and securing research grants and/or third-stream income.

• PhD or equivalent, in Sport Sciences.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating learning, in the field of Sport Sciences.
• A track record of quality peer reviewed publications in the field of Sports Sciences.
• A record of successful Masters supervision and evidence of at least current PhD supervision.
• Evidence of expertise, national standing, and where appropriate, an international presence in his/her discipline.
• At least five (5) years’ experience in a higher education institution.

• NRF rating.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (Language of instruction of the institution).
• Presentation and facilitation skills.
• Adaptability and the ability to operate in a culturally diverse environment.
• Student focused approach.
• Coaching and mentoring skills.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Computer literacy.
• 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.

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  For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at /3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: e-recruitment.za.

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.