LLB :Research & Teaching Associates Programme at Wits University

The Research and Teaching Associates (RTA) Programme caters for recent law graduates who are seeking full-time, short-term academic employment. The RTA Programme aims (a) to provide for a developmental opportunity to top law graduates who are interested in exploring an academic career and furthering their own research; (b) to assist the academic staff of the Wits Law School (WLS) in their teaching-related duties, and (c) to increase diversity and employment equity in the WLS. The Programme is housed in the D J du Plessis Building on West Campus and forms part of the staff complement of WLS. It includes participation in the intellectual life of the School (which includes the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), also housed in the D J du Plessis Building). 

There is scope to combine appointment within the Programme with postgraduate studies at the WLS. However, this is not a requirement for appointment. (Kindly note that staff bursaries for postgraduate studies will not be provided.)

The work of the RTAs is two-fold. Firstly, RTAs will be required to provide assistance to academic staff (in one or two specifically allocated courses) with teaching-related tasks in the WLS (for example; marking, course preparation and tutorial administration). Secondly, RTAs will be required to engage in research and writing in their respective fields of interest, and produce a research output thereon. The research output may either be in the form of a publication on a topic identified by the RTA or it may be linked to the RTA’s postgraduate studies. A commitment to teaching and research is essential.

Requirements

The candidate must have an LLB or equivalent on appointment, and must hold at least one South African law degree (LLB, Masters or PhD). RTAs will be appointed for a period of twelve months. Appointments will be made prior to the year in which employment is to be undertaken.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to appointable applicants in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that the appointment of a foreign national in the Programme is entirely conditional upon the candidate (a) being registered for a postgraduate programme at the University (for example; PhD, LLM or Postgraduate Diploma), and (b) obtaining a study permit by no later than Thursday 2 January 2014.

How to apply