The School of Languages and Literatures (SLL), in the Faculty of Humanities – under the auspices of the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), Phase 11, funded by the Department of Higher Education –, seeks to make an appointment of a Black (African, Coloured, Indian) South African scholar at the Lecturer level in the field of French Language and Literature. The appointment will be made according to the purposes expressed in the Staffing South African Universities Framework (SSAUF) and would be a permanent staff establishment appointment at UCT. The post offers a wonderful opportunity for an emerging French and Francophone studies scholar to build a supported academic career at UCT whilst contributing to teaching, research, and policy engagement in the field.
The School of Languages and Literatures houses full academic teaching programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in an interdisciplinary environment comprising a dozen scholarly fields related to the study of national, continental, and global as well as modern and classical languages and literatures. It engages increasingly with questions about transnational and “Global South” identities and contributes to the University’s transformation purpose “Vision 2030”. The French Language and Literature section currently offers two Undergraduate majors as well as postgraduate study (Honours, Research Masters and PhD). Its members are involved in several international research projects, frequently host scientific events, thereby consolidating UCT’s position as a major centre for the study of French and Francophone cultures in Southern Africa. To consolidate and diversify the section’s programmes, to actively participate in the departmental research culture, and to complement the expertise of current staff, the School of Languages and Literatures, invites applications for this permanent lectureship from applicants who are motivated to pursue a long-term academic career in French and Francophone Studies.
For more information please see: https://www.dhet.gov.za/ssauf/ngap.html
- The appointment of the successful candidate at Lecturer level will be in line with the implementation of the nGAP programme that focuses on recruiting new academics on a 4-year or 6-year funded track.
- For the 4-year funded track, eligible candidates would constitute those that have already attained their doctoral degrees. Successful candidates will have a reduced 50% workload in their first two years of employment to focus on writing and building their academic careers and be expected to take up full teaching workloads in the third and fourth years of their appointment.
- For the 6-year funded track, eligible candidates would constitute those that have completed their Masters degrees, or that have already started their doctoral degrees. These candidates will be supported with a reduced workload (20%) for three years to grow their doctoral studies. In year 4 they would have a 50% workload, and in year 5 and year 6 of the funded program they will assume their full academic workload within SLL.
- All candidates will initially assist in teaching on, developing, and expanding the offerings in French Language and Literature. In addition, depending on whether appointed on the 4-year or the 6-year funded track, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to supervision at the post-graduate level tied to areas within French Language and Literature, as well as the larger French and Francophone Studies field. The goal of the latter is to grow capacity in terms of a research profile with attendant and appropriate academic publishing opportunities.
- To be considered for the lecturer position, candidates on both the 4-year and 6-year tracks will have to have attained a 70% grade in their Masters degree or equivalent. This is a non-negotiable nGAP requirement.
- In terms of nGAP conditions, applicants must be 40 years or younger.
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS WITH AN AWARDED MASTERS DEGREE (6-YEAR FUNDED TRACK)
- A Masters Grade Point Average (GPA) of 70% or more.
- An awarded Masters Degree in French and Francophone literature, or a closely related field.
- Should enrol (at any university) for a PhD in French and Francophone literature, or a closely related field, within three months of joining UCT.
- Evidence of excellent academic writing and conceptual work.
- Demonstrated high proficiency (oral and written) in French.
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS WITH A PHD/DOCTORAL DEGREE (4-YEAR FUNDED TRACK)
- A Masters Grade Point Average (GPA) of 70% or more.
- A completed PhD degree in French and Francophone literature, or a closely related field.
- Experience in teaching and/or tutoring French language and literature at tertiary level.
- A research strategy and publications commensurate with career stage.
- Demonstrated high proficiency (oral and written) in French.
ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGEOUS QUALITIES:
- Capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team.
- Administrative skills.
- Experience or interest in interdisciplinary work.
- Experience or interest in internationalisation (e.g. study abroad programmes)
- Experience in supervision of student research.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Teaching and convening French Language & Literature from beginners to advanced levels.
- Active engagement in research and publication.
- Participation in academic development initiatives, including mentorship and training opportunities.
- Academic administration.
- Active contribution to the Section’s research projects.
- Active participation in the School’s research culture.
The annual cost of employment, including benefits for 2026, is R 974, 126
To apply, please visit the UCT Jobs Site (www.jobs.uct.ac.za) to create a candidate profile and to submit your application.
Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:
- A letter of motivation that speaks to the requirements of the role.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Master’s thesis (Applicants for the four-year stream must also include their PhD).
- Copies of relevant academic transcripts
- Copy of your ID.
- The names of three referees, including their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address, and telephone number.
An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments and pre-placement-medical placements. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.
Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Ms. Natasha Khan at Natasha.Khan@uct.ac.za or 021650 3469.
Closing date: 16th September 2026
Website: https://humanities.uct.ac.za/school-languages-literatures/french-language-and-literature