Senior/First Technical Assistant (3 Posts)

UP Professional and Support

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS

SENIOR/FIRST TECHNICAL ASSISTANT (THREE POSTS) (ONE YEAR CONTRACT APPOINTMENT)

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Senior Technical Assistant

The incumbents are responsible for the following portfolios:

• Teaching administration:

Provide technical support for the Co-ordinators of the High Impact Modules (HIMs) and/or for the Co-ordinator of the Extended Programme in the following:

• Division of students into tutorial groups and handling of students changing groups;
• Assistance in the co-ordination of tutorial topics and class tests;
• Assistance with the day-to-day running of the module websites and educational software used in the respective modules (e.g. Webassign);
• Overseeing the handling of test and examination scripts, addition of marks, alphabetising;
• Handling of sick notes and arranging supplementary tests;
• Engagement with students based on Mathematics Readiness Test results;
• Organising the Early Intervention: Student Advisory initiative after the first semester test;
• Proofreading and printing of notes, tests and examination papers and preparing memoranda;
• First-stop for all student enquiries (normally directed to the Co-ordinator);

• Facilitation of learning:
  • Assisting with tutoring of large tutorial groups;
  • Grading of assessments.

First Technical Assistant

The incumbents are responsible for all portfolios of Senior Technical Assistant, which they should be able to implement without close supervision.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Senior Technical Assistant

• BSc-degree in Mathematics;
• A postgraduate qualification in Education or Psychology or equivalent;
• At least three years' teaching experience in Mathematics;

First Technical Assistant

• BSc Honours in Mathematics;
• A postgraduate qualification in Education or Psychology or equivalent; or experience in tertiary Mathematics teaching;
• At least three years' teaching experience in Mathematics;

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

Senior Technical Assistant

• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word and PowerPoint as well as Internet skills, e-mails, etc;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);
• Proven administrative and organising skills;
• Ability to work with large groups of students.
• Relevant experience in a tertiary education environment;

First Technical Assistant

• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office: Excel, Word and PowerPoint as well as Internet skills, e-mails, etc;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);
• Proven administrative and organising skills;
• Ability to work with large groups of students.
• Relevant experience in a tertiary education environment;

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

Senior Technical Assistant

• BSc Honours or higher degree in Mathematics;

• Typesetting by Mathematics software (e.g. Latex, Scientific workplace);
• Experience with educational software and/or mathematical programmes like Mathematica, Matlab, Maple.

First Technical Assistant

• MSc or higher degree in Mathematics or Tertiary Mathematics Education;

• Typesetting by Mathematics software (e.g. Latex, Scientific workplace);
• Experience with educational software and/or mathematical programmes like Mathematica, Matlab, Maple.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 10 July 2019

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Prof R Anguelov, Tel: (012) 420 2874

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 September 2019, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to complete a mathematics competency assessment if required and to undergo verification of personal credentials. The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.