In this post, we have rounded up some of the most sought after jobs that are commonly advertised in UFS vacancies.
The good thing about these career opportunities is that they are inclusive for candidates with any degree.
For instance, some jobs are open for matriculants. On the other hand, several other jobs are applicable for undergrads.
We hope you can find a position that suits you best based on your educational background, qualifications and interest.
Without further ado, let’s dive into it now.
Photo: @kampus on pexels.com
What is UFS?
The UFS is one of South Africa’s oldest higher education institutions, with its main campus in Bloemfontein, the Free State province’s capital.
It first opened its doors in 1904 with only six Humanities students. The institution has grown to about 30,000 students dispersed over seven faculties since then. The institution also has a South Campus in Bloemfontein, in addition to the Bloemfontein Campus.
Bloemfontein is known for being the cradle of key political groups that helped create South Africa’s political scene. In addition to education, medical, agriculture, science, theology, economics, management, and many other industries, the city has produced some of the best minds in the world.
The university is especially proud of the legal talents that have been nurtured both on campus and in the city, which is home to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
The UFS also has a vibrant Qwaqwa Campus in the Eastern Free State that serves rural students from the surrounding provinces, as well as a smaller South Campus in Bloemfontein that provides alternative access to higher education for promising students who received poor grades in their final school exams.
More than 1,692 academic staff members serve the university’s seven faculties, which include more than 130 departments and/or schools, and are supported by strong administrative and support personnel.
Reasons to Work for UFS
- Attractive employee benefits
- Excellent platform to improve on personal and professional skills
- Great diversity and inclusion
- Conducive working environment
- Good work ethic
Job Opportunities Available in UFS Vacancies
Below are the examples of typical job opportunities that are usually advertised in UFS vacancies from time to time:
1. Lecturer
Do you have superb communication and presentation skills and know the easiest way to explain something to others?
You might be the ideal candidate UFS is looking for! In fact, UFS vacancies have been consistently advertising some posts for future lecturers. Seize the opportunity and apply for the role if you have what it takes to become a great lecturer.
Typically, you’ll be responsible for lecturing and providing supervision of students within your field of study. Sometimes, you’ll also have to conduct research.
Skills needed:
- Creativity
- Good analytical skills
- Critical-thinking skills
- Reliability
- Computer proficiency
- Time management skills
- Organisational skills
- Decision-making skills
Requirements:
- A master degree on NQF level 9 in your field of study
- Proven experience in your field of study
- Experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities
- Proven evidence of research publications or submission of an article for publication, ideally in an accredited journal
- A valid driver’s licence
2. Programme Director
Looking for outlets to channel your exceptional management skills? Then, you should probably try applying for these UFS vacancies!
The university is looking for some skilful programme directors to develop and manage certain academic programmes. Basically, you’ll be responsible for redesigning the curriculum of the assigned programme to align with the competency requirements.
Also, you’ll have to provide general leadership in the effective offering of the programme, ensuring that it is offered following the governance, policy and regulatory frameworks of the university.
Skills needed:
- Computer proficiency
- Reliability
- Good management skills
- Ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations
- Strong leadership skills
Requirements:
- A master degree on NQF level 9 in related fields
- A full-time, permanent member of the academic staff of the faculty at the UFS
3. Counselling or Clinical Psychologist
A counselling psychologist is responsible for providing psychotherapy with regard to the personal, social, emotional and career development of all UFS students and staff. Also, he/she is required to identify, diagnose and treat serious mental illnesses and to refer to other professionals when the need arises.
As a counselling psychologist, you will occasionally design and present developmental workshops and programmes for students. If you have a strong sense of sympathy for others and are open-minded, then you might be the ideal candidate for this role.
Skills needed:
- Strategic-thinking skills
- Leadership skills
- Creativity
- Adaptability
Requirements:
- A master degree on NQF level 9 in Counselling or Clinical Psychology
- Registration with the HPCSA in Counselling or Clinical Psychology
- A minimum of three years experience as a verified counselling or clinical psychologist
- Two years of experience in working with students in a higher education setting
- Fluency in Sesotho and/or IsiZulu is favourable
4. Chief Officer
UFS is looking for several hard-working candidates to be employed as chief officers.
Typically, your day-to-day tasks will include:
- Promoting institutional quality assurance within the UFS
- Administering and coordinating the logistics of quality reviews
- Supporting and advocating for the student success and retention strategy
- Reporting on academic planning and quality associated activities
To qualify for the role, you must ensure that you have the ability to multitask and organise priorities without direct supervision.
Skills needed:
- Computer proficiency
- Strategic-thinking skills
- Attention to detail
- Effective research and analytical skills
- Leadership skills
- Exceptional literacy skills
Requirements:
- An honour degree on NQF level 8
- A minimum of five years of relevant working experience
- At least three years of working experience in a university setting
- Experience in teaching in a higher education environment would be advantageous
5. Laboratory Assistant
Typically, a laboratory assistant participates in the current stability testing and analysis of formulations. Also, he/she helps with the milling of plants and performing qualitative and quantitative analysis.
If these seem to be your alley, then you should consider applying to these UFS vacancies.
Skills needed:
- Computer proficiency
- Self-composure and self-control
- Good time management skills
- Reliability
- Ability to cope with a frequently changing environment
- Adaptability
Requirements:
- A diploma on NQF level 6 in basic natural sciences
- Have completed basic training in medicinal plants biochemistry or plant biotechnology
- Past working experience in a pharmacology or biochemistry laboratory would be advantageous
6. Medical Receptionist
Are you the master of multitasking? Do you have the ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations?
If these qualities resonate with you, then we strongly recommend you to apply to these UFS vacancies.
As a medical receptionist, you will be required to receive patients at reception and make appointments, perform general office administration tasks and handle pathology specimens.
Skills needed:
- Reliability
- Computer proficiency
- Good-natured attitude
- Ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
Requirements:
- Grade 12 or National Vocational Certificate on NQF level 4
- A minimum of one year experience in a medical practice reception
- At least two years of experience in a medical practice reception
- A valid driver’s licence
- Knowledge of UFS financial and administrative systems
How to Apply to UFS Vacancies
Application for UFS vacancies can be done online. Apparently, the university doesn’t consider any other types of application, e.g. those which are sent by hand or mail.
To apply to your desired career at the University of Free State, follow these instructions:
- Visit the UFS Staff webpage and select “Vacancies”.
- Click the relevant job opening you are applying for.
- To apply, click the link.
- Choose “New User” to register as a new user.
- Fill in all the necessary information and click the “Register” button to proceed.
- Choose “Apply” to apply for the specific job opening.
- Read the information on the screen and click the “Radio” button to accept the terms and agreements.
- Choose the relevant “Radio” button.
- You’ll see a pop-up window to notify you the application is successful. Click “Continue”.
- To attach a resume, click “Attach Resume”.
Final Note
So, which of the listed UFS vacancies appealed to you? Have you decided on any roles to apply for?
Is it a position as a lecturer? Or, do you aim to become one of the university’s prominent chief officers?
We’d like to hear what you think about it, so don’t hesitate to leave your comment below.