Position Title: nGAP Lecturer: Critical Minerals and Sustainability

Requisition ID: 1310

Department: Faculty of Science

City: Cape Town

nGAP LECTURER: CRITICAL MINERALS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Department of Geological Sciences

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

The University of Cape Town has a strong international reputation in geological and geochemical research and teaching. The Department of Geological Sciences has historic strengths in analytical geochemistry, petrology and mineralogy. Current areas of research interest include the geochemistry, mineral chemistry and texture of rocks and diamonds from the Earth’s mantle, the petrology of igneous rocks from the continents and oceans, metamorphic petrology and crustal evolution and economic geology particularly applied to mineral deposits formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The department operates a large number of advanced analytical facilities (and supporting laboratories) including; an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer; an electron probe microanalyser; multiple quadrupole, single and multicollector plasma mass spectrometers suitable for elemental and radiogenic isotope analysis and geochronology; and extraction lines and gas source mass spectrometers for the analysis of stable isotope ratios of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and sulphur. The Department also has strong collaborative links with the Centre for Minerals Research and the Department of Chemical Engineering.

Under the auspices of the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) funded by the Department of Higher Education (DHET), the Department of Geological Sciences is seeking to appoint a Lecturer for a full-time permanent position in the field of Critical Minerals and Sustainability. In this context, “critical minerals” pertains to minerals and elements (and the deposits from which they are sourced) essential for non-fossil-fuel-based energy systems, carbon dioxide sequestration and/or high-technology applications, with the goal of supporting the just transition to a sustainable economy based on renewable energy sources.

Requirements:

The successful candidate must:

Be 40 years or younger.
Be a South African citizen of a designated group (African, Coloured and Indian men and women including people with disabilities).
Have an MSc degree in Geology or Geochemistry or a related field with a minimum mark of 70% for the Master’s degree (candidates currently registered in a PhD program who do not possess a MSc, but who have an Honours degree in Geology or Geochemistry or a related field with a minimum mark of 70% may also be considered).
Be currently registered in, or be prepared to enrol in, a PhD program in Geology, Geochemistry or a closely related field unless you already possess a PhD in Geology, Geochemistry or a closely related field.
Demonstrate the interest and ability to develop high-quality research and teaching programmes related to critical minerals as defined above.

Advantages:

A research track record (e.g., publications, theses/dissertations) in one or more of the above-mentioned fields.
Relevant experience in the minerals/mining industry.
University teaching experience in terms of lecturing or postgraduate supervision.

The incumbent will be expected to contribute to teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as developing their own research programme with appropriate training and supervision of postgraduate students.

The successful candidate will be provided with mentoring and coursework options to nurture and support their academic career. Candidates will be appointed in line with the aims and rules of the nGAP programme and the University of Cape Town Employment Equity policy.

The annual remuneration package (cost of employment basis) for 2026, including benefits, is R 974 126.

To apply, please visit the UCT Jobs site to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Research Statement (not longer than 1 page).
Teaching Statement (not longer than 1 page).
Copies of degree certificates and university transcripts.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessment. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process. An application that does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Mr Ian Petersen at ian.petersen@uct.ac.za or 021 650 2163.

Website: https://science.uct.ac.za/department-geological-sciences

Closing date: 20 April 2026

Reference Number: 1310