Job Description (JD)
| Job Title: | Senior Lecturer & Lecturer I in Food Science and Technology | ||
| Grade: | 11.1 | Salary range: | GMD142,879 to 150,064 per annum |
| Contract Type: | Permanent (subject to confirmation after 3 years, if not already confirmed) | ||
| Reporting to: | Head of Department (HOD) | ||
ABOUT US
The Organisation
Established in 1999, the University of The Gambia (UTG) is a growing and dynamic university committed to supporting the socio-economic and environmental transformation of The Gambia and the sub-region through relevant and high-quality education to respond to the Gambia’s National Development Agenda, the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
UTG offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including doctorate programmes in key areas central to the national, regional, and continental development needs of Africa. With several campuses in Banjul, Kanifing, Brikama, Faraba and Farafenni, UTG provides access to higher education to about 7,000 students, including international students every year.
THE SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (SAES)
The School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (SAES) plays a vital role in promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food security. Established in 1999 under the Faculty of Science and becoming a standalone school in the 2007/2008 academic year, SAES offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, with final-year specialization options in Crop Production, Animal Production, or Environmental Management. In response to market demand and stakeholder input, the School recently reviewed its curriculum, with the revised version set for implementation in the 2025/2026 academic year. Committed to delivering high-quality education, research, and community engagement, SAES equips students with the technical knowledge and innovative skills needed for agricultural modernization and responsible natural resource management, while aligning with national, regional, and global development priorities.
Job Overview
The Lecturer II is an entry-level academic role aimed at individuals with a solid foundation in their area of expertise and a commitment to teaching, research, and academic service. The Lecturer II will deliver high-quality lectures, seminars, and tutorials, providing students with a strong grounding in their area of expertise. This role involves designing and updating course materials, assessing student performance, and fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages intellectual growth. The Lecturer II is also expected to actively contribute to the research activities of the department and participate in academic service roles.
The Lecturer II reports to the Head of Department (HOD) and may work closely with senior lecturers and professors to meet the academic goals of the department. This position serves as a pathway to more advanced academic roles, emphasizing both teaching and research excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- General Administrative Duties:
- Participate in departmental and institutional committees to improve governance and policy-making.
- Contribute to course and program content, module or programme implementation, working with others (support staff/academic colleagues) to ensure student needs and expectations are met and to align with institutional objectives.
- Participate in administrative duties (such as invigilation, admissions, timetabling, examinations, academic hiring, assessment of progress and student attendance) to foster a positive institutional culture.
- Participate in the organisation of external activities such as placements, field trips and international visits to establish partnerships teach at partner institutions or act as Link-Tutor.
- Participate in coordinating the work of others to ensure modules are delivered to the standards required.
- Participate in developing external networks to contribute to student recruitment, secure student placements, facilitate outreach work, generate income through research/consultancy projects and build relationships for future activities.
- Teaching and Learning:
- Participate in developing/updating the curriculum and preparing/updating Course Guides
- Prepare/update lesson plans and learning and teaching materials
- Deliver lectures and providing tutorial, supervision of student projects and other support to students
- Promote innovative teaching methods and technologies to enhance student learning outcomes
- Engage students and other academics to improve teaching methods and to enhance learning experience
- Set assignments, exams, other tests to assess learning outcomes and provide timely feedback
- Submit grades for timely processing by the relevant examination Boards
- Research
- Contribute in developing topics for student research, long essays/project work to respond to national, regional/global challenges
- Supervise student research, long essays and other projects to support learning and the development of knowledge
- Assess student research, long essays and projects to ensure learning outcomes are achieved
- Participate in research seminars/workshop to share knowledge, identify research priorities and develop research to support students and other academics
- Collaborate with colleagues and students, fostering culture of academic inquiry and collaboration
- Conduct research and develop research projects, grant proposals to generate income and to respond to national, regional/global opportunities
- Publish articles and research outputs in reputable conferences, journals and other recognized outlets
- Promote effective utilization of labs, equipment and tools for research
- Community Service:
- Participate in School/Departmental/Unit meetings to ensure programme delivery
- Participate in the work of School committees, subcommittees and other adhoc groups set up for the running of Units/Departments/Schools
- Represent the University in committees and other activities outside the institution delegated by the Dean or Head of Departments
- Promote industry up skilling through internship programs
- Engage stakeholders to support knowledge transfer and exchange through seminars/workshops, other training and policy dialogues.
- Professional Development:
- Participate in the identification of training and professional development needs.
- Participate in mentoring colleagues with less experience and advise on personal development
- Participate in meetings, conferences, training opportunities/initiatives and other events in and outside of the institution.
Person Specification: Qualification and Experience
| Description | Essential | Desirable | |
| Qualifications | Master’s degree with thesis in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Food Biotechnology, or a related field | ✓ | |
| Knowledge, experience, and expertise | a) Basic knowledge of teaching and research methodologies. | ✓ | |
| b) Familiarity with undergraduate supervision. | ✓ | ||
| c) Demonstrated potential for scholarly contributions. | ✓ | ||
| Skills and values | a) Strong communication and teaching skills. | ✓ | |
| b) Dedication to student mentoring and academic growth. | ✓ | ||
| c) Ability to collaborate within the faculty. | ✓ | ||
| d) Alignment with UTG’s values of excellence, innovation, and societal impact. | ✓ | ||
| e) Experience engaging with farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers | ✓ | ||
| f) Familiarity with food processing and preservation technologies | ✓ | ||
| g) Proficiency in data analysis and laboratory software (e.g., LIMS) | ✓ | ||
| h) Knowledge of emerging technologies in sustainable food production | ✓ |
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A formal application letter (with signature)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) using the UTG CV template
- Copies of academic certificates and transcripts
- Three (3) recent reference letters
Download the Application Form and UTG CV Template at utg.edu.gm/jobs
Submit the complete application package to:
Dr. Amy Aidara Jah, Director of Human Resources
Email: utghr@utg.edu.gm
Address: UTG Peace Building, Kanifing Campus
Deadline: 12:00 noon May 29, 2026
Inquiries: For academic-related inquiries, please contact: Prof. Lamin K.M Fatty, Dean, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at 3650121 or email: lkmfatty@utg.edu.gm for inquiries.
Join UTG and help shape the future of higher education in The Gambia!