Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Academia
- Closing Date: 2026-09-14
Key Responsibilities
- The Candidate must be capable of teaching and supervising Undergraduate and Post-graduate students’ research work, and should be able to teach the following modules: Quantitative Research Methods
- Theories of Migration, Integration and Citizenship
- Global Migration and Personal Identity
- Migration Management and Protection
Requirements
- First Degree in Sociology or Social Anthropology with at least a 2.1 pass.
- Master’s Degree in Sociology, Social Anthropology or Demography/Population Studies.
- PhD in Sociology, Anthropology, Population Studies, or an equivalent field
How to Apply
About the Company
Midlands State University is a government owned university in Zimbabwe. The university has 9 faculties offering a wide variety of courses and many specialist programmes. The university is accredited through the National Council for Higher Education, under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education of Zimbabwe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What academic qualifications are typically required for lecturer to professor roles at Midlands State University?
A minimum of a Master's degree is required for Lecturer positions, while Senior Lecturer and above usually require a PhD. Academic staff are also expected to hold relevant teaching qualifications or complete the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE)-endorsed Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice within a specified timeframe.
What does a typical workday look like for a lecturer at a Zimbabwean university like Midlands State University?
Lecturers spend time delivering lectures, supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students, marking assignments and examinations, and conducting research aligned with national priorities. Administrative duties such as departmental meetings, curriculum development, and community engagement are also routine, often extending beyond formal working hours due to resource constraints and high student-staff ratios.
How does academic work culture in Zimbabwe differ from other countries, and what expectations should I be aware of?
Respect for academic hierarchy, punctuality in meetings, and strong emphasis on collegiality and institutional loyalty are central to Zimbabwean university culture. Staff are expected to participate actively in university governance, contribute to national development agendas, and maintain professional conduct aligned with the Public Service Commission’s Code of Conduct for public sector academics.
What career progression pathways exist for academic staff in Zimbabwean universities, and how long do promotions usually take?
Promotion follows a structured academic ladder: Lecturer → Senior Lecturer → Associate Professor → Professor, governed by ZIMCHE and the university’s Academic Promotions Committee. Progression depends on sustained research output, teaching excellence, leadership contributions, and national recognition — typically requiring at least five years between substantive ranks, subject to annual performance reviews and available vacancies.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—are commonly offered to academic staff in Zimbabwean public universities?
Academic staff are covered under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) pension scheme and entitled to 30 days’ annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per Public Service regulations. Medical aid is not universally provided by the university but many staff access private schemes through payroll deductions or rely on government health facilities; some departments facilitate group medical aid subscriptions.
How do I apply for an academic position at Midlands State University, and what do hiring panels in Zimbabwe prioritise in candidates?
Applications must be submitted via the university’s official portal or physical submission to the Human Resources Department, accompanied by certified academic transcripts, proof of registration with ZIMCHE, and a detailed CV highlighting teaching, research, and community engagement. Hiring panels prioritise evidence of local relevance in research, proven teaching effectiveness (including student feedback), alignment with national development goals like Vision 2030, and commitment to academic integrity and institutional service.