Senior Lecturer/Lecturer: Astrophysics Western Cape

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:-

The Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Astrophysics will conduct cutting-edge research, teach, and mentor students in the field of astrophysics, with a focus on understanding dark matter and dark energy. Key responsibilities include teaching, research, supervising postgraduate students, establishing a research group, securing funding, and participating in departmental activities. To be considered, candidates must have a PhD in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics, good communication skills, and relevant teaching and research experience, with a preference for experience in the epoch of reionization, the early universe, or the pulsar timing array.

**Job Title: Senior Lecturer/Lecturer: Astrophysics**

**Company: Stellenbosch University**

The Department of Physics at Stellenbosch University is seeking an exceptional astrophysicist to join our team as a Senior Lecturer or Lecturer. This is an opportunity for a talented individual to conduct cutting-edge research, teach, and mentor students in the field of astrophysics.

**Research Focus**

Our research group is committed to exploring the fundamental laws of the universe, with a particular emphasis on understanding the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Our research focuses on connecting theoretical physics with astronomical observations, and we are actively investigating a range of topics, including cosmic microwave background radiation, the epoch of reionisation, the early universe, dark matter indirect detection, neutron stars, and black holes. We are also heavily involved in several international and local projects, including the MeerKAT, SKA, and HERA telescopes, as well as FAST and CMB Stage-4.

**Duties**

As a Senior Lecturer or Lecturer in Astrophysics, you will be responsible for:

• Teaching and coordinating undergraduate and postgraduate modules in astrophysics * Conducting research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals in a field aligned to one of the Department's research focus areas in astrophysics * Recruiting and supervising postgraduate students in astrophysics * Establishing a research group in a field aligned to one of the research focus areas in the department, with a preference for involvement in either the HERA telescope, MeerKAT telescope, or international CMB surveys * Securing research funding to support your projects * Participating in academically relevant departmental and Faculty activities, as required

**Job Requirements**

To be considered for this position, you will need to have:

• A PhD degree in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics * Good verbal and written communication skills in English

**Appointment Criteria**

For appointment as Lecturer

• Teaching experience in physics (as lecturer, or teaching assistant/tutor at tertiary level) * An active research interest in astrophysics and cosmology, with interests and experience in the epoch of reionization, the early universe, or the pulsar timing array

For appointment as Senior Lecturer

• Proven ability and commitment to teaching physics at both undergraduate and postgraduate level * Evidence of recent research in astrophysics and cosmology, with interests and experience in the epoch of reionisation, the early universe, or the pulsar timing array * Evidence of a sustained publication output as first author in high-quality international journals * Proof of successful postgraduate supervision as main supervisor, at least at master's level * Proven ability to seek external funding

**Recommendation**

Postdoctoral or relevant research experience in academia is highly recommended.

**Application Deadline**

The application deadline is 2nd November, 2026.