Looking for some career offers that will allow you to work in a university setting? The following UCT vacancies will open doors of opportunity for you.
Although most people assume that university jobs are inseparable from teaching and research, in fact, you can opt for other options.
Most importantly, working at the university is challenging but rewarding.
You will be able to develop professional relationships once you work for UCT.
Discover ten great job opportunities from the following UCT vacancies.
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What is UCT?
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a public research university in Cape Town, South Africa. It is located in the Western Cape province. The University of Cape Town (UCT) was established in 1829 as the South African College, making it the country’s oldest higher education institution.
Together with Stellenbosch University, which obtained full university status on the same day in 1918, it is the oldest university in South Africa and the oldest existent university in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The university has approximately 29,000 to 30,000 students studying liberal arts, pure sciences, and professional degrees ranging from bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) to doctoral degree level (NQF 10), with 57 departments organised into six faculties and the multidisciplinary Centre for Higher Education Development.
The school, which has six campuses in the Cape Town areas of Rondebosch, Hiddingh, Observatory, Mowbray, and the V&A Waterfront, teaches only in English.
As a matter of fact, it is the only African member of the World Economic Forum’s Global University Leaders Forum (GULF), which is made up of 26 of the world’s finest universities.
The Nobel Prize has been awarded to five UCT alumni, staff members, and researchers. As of March 2020, 35 UCT employees are A-rated NRF researchers (representing 30% of the national total) and 88 employees are members of the Academy of Science of South Africa.
Reasons to Work for UCT
- Good salary
- Great working experience
- Plenty of incentives and bonuses
- Staff bursary scheme
- Good work-life balance
- Plenty of rewarding career options
Job Opportunities Available in UCT Vacancies
So, what are the career options that the University of Cape Town generally offers to enthusiastic job seekers?
The following is a list of the job opportunities you can expect to apply to from most UCT vacancies:
1. Cleaner
UCT is looking to hire an attentive cleaner from time to time. In this position, you will be required to dust surfaces, vacuum and mop floors, and clean windows. You should also be able to remove stains from various surfaces.
To be successful as a cleaner, you should be able to complete assigned tasks within the stipulated period. Ultimately, a top-performing cleaner should be physically fit and able to perform with minimal supervision.
Skills needed:
- Excellent organisational skills
- Able to complete tasks on time with minimal supervision
- Keen to detail
- Able to use a variety of cleaning products and equipment
- Available to work at flexible hours
- Able to stand for extended periods of time
Requirements:
- Grade 12 or Matric
- Proven experience in a similar role
2. Security Officer
UCT vacancies typically advertise multiple posts for a security officer. The university is always on the lookout for security officers who are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of assets, staff and visitors.
Your responsibilities will include patrolling the premises, setting up security controls, monitoring property access, investigating suspicious behaviour and enforcing university policies.
To qualify for this role, you should be highly observant and able to objectively assess the severity of a situation. An outstanding security officer should be able to remain calm and decisive in any situation.
Skills needed:
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to exercise good judgment
- Strong reporting skills
- Outstanding surveillance and observation skills
Requirements:
- Grade 12 or Matric
- Have completed training at an accredited training centre
3. Dean of Faculty
Deans are responsible for the recruitment, appointment and retention of academic administrators, faculty and staff for their college or school. As a dean, you’ll create hiring plans for your assigned college or school and participate in the recruiting and hiring process for faculty and staff.
Basically, your role is to provide the faculty with academic leadership, to encourage excellence in teaching and research, to represent the faculty to the university and to promote the development of the Faculty and of its staff.
Skills needed:
- Strong leadership skills
- Good decision-making and communication skills
- Innovation and punctuality
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree followed by a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or HDE (Higher Diploma in Education)
- Years of teaching, publishing papers in journals and getting involved in university administrative matters
4. Lecturer
You can apply as a lecturer to UCT vacancies from a wide variety of disciplines. The university is searching for a well-organised, innovative lecturer to join its established department.
Your responsibilities will include developing course material and curricula, inspiring meaningful discussions, attending conferences, consulting with other academics and professionals, supervising graduate students, grading assignments, and being an active member of the university.
You should be prepared to work long hours, travel abroad, and expand your networks. Also, you should demonstrate superior listening and communication skills.
Skills needed:
- Ability to inspire students with your passion
- Flexibility, resilience and willingness to work long hours
- Strong interpersonal, presentation and communication skills
Requirements:
- A PhD in the relevant discipline
- Previous teaching experience
- Published work would be advantageous
5. Data Analyst
A data analyst collects and stores data on sales numbers, market research, logistics, linguistics, or other behaviours.
He/she brings technical expertise to ensure the quality and accuracy of that data, then process, design, and present it in ways to help the institution make better decisions.
You will take responsibility for managing the university’s master data set, developing reports, and troubleshooting data issues.
To do well in this role you need a very fine eye for detail, experience as a data analyst, and a deep understanding of the popular data analysis tools and databases.
Skills needed:
- Ability to analyse existing tools and databases and provide software solution recommendations
- High-level written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work with stakeholders to assess potential risks
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited South African university or college in computer science
- Work experience as a data analyst or in a related field
- Demonstrated experience in handling large data sets and relational databases
6. Professor
The university has some spots for well-organised, resourceful professors to join its excellent faculty.
Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to, teaching a requisite number of graduate classes, assisting with the development of course material, supervising postgraduate students, regularly publishing journal articles, serving on committees, and handling other administrative duties.
To be a successful candidate, you should be able to balance teaching and research responsibilities. You should be able to conduct independent research, accurately allocate resources, and provide subject-related and management advice to the faculty.
Skills needed:
- Strong teaching and mentoring skills
- Excellent presentation and communication skills
- A growth mindset and excellent networking abilities
- Willingness to work long hours
Requirements:
- A PhD in the relevant field
- Years of experience teaching in an academic setting
- Published articles and proven experience as an educator
- A sound understanding of and passion for subject matter
How to Apply to UCT Vacancies
To apply to UCT vacancies, you will need to download one of the following application forms: HR204 for executive posts or HR201 for other staff vacancies. For a list of active job openings, visit the UCT Staff Vacancies webpage.
Then, send your application form along with your latest CV and cover letter to the email address listed in the job vacancy of your choice.
Make sure that you have indicated the title and reference number in the subject line. You can find the reference number in the ad. Lastly, keep in mind that UCT will only contact short-listed candidates for presentations and interviews.
While you are waiting for feedback on your application, you can also apply for vacancies from other leading universities in South Africa like UNISA and Stellenbosch University.