Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026
Job Details
Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026
Job ID: 6618
Reference Number: 2297
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Department: Faculty of Health Sciences – Division of Public Health
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Duration: 2 years, renewable for an additional year
Annual Fellowship Value: R270,000
Additional Research Funding: R30,000
Closing Date: 19 October 2026
Commencement Date: 2 November 2026
Application Email: publichealth@ufs.ac.za
Job Description
The University of the Free State invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship within the Division of Public Health. The fellowship is intended for individuals seeking to advance their academic or professional careers in Public Health, particularly in the fields of Mental Health, Digital Health and Environmental Health (Planetary Health).
The successful candidate will conduct innovative research, contribute to scholarly publications, develop research projects and pursue funding opportunities. Selection will be based on academic achievements, publication outputs, research potential and relevant experience.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct innovative research in Public Health.
Publish or co-author at least three DHET-accredited scholarly outputs annually, including journal articles, books or book chapters.
Initiate research projects and identify opportunities to secure research funding.
Submit annual progress reports and demonstrate satisfactory research performance.
Register and reside at the University of the Free State as a postdoctoral research fellow.
Participate in relevant academic and research activities within the Division of Public Health.
Contribute to research in Mental Health, Digital Health and Environmental Health (Planetary Health), according to the candidate’s expertise.
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
A PhD degree in a relevant discipline, obtained within the last five years.
Demonstrated academic achievement and research potential.
Relevant research experience and scholarly publication outputs.
Availability to undertake full-time research at the University of the Free State.
Willingness to spend at least 80% of the fellowship period at UFS.
Ability to meet the fellowship’s research and publication requirements.
Applicants must not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
Eligible applicants: South African citizens and foreign nationals who meet the stated requirements.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must email the following documents:
Motivation letter, including a one- to two-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
Full CV, including research publications, conference papers and other scholarly outputs.
Full academic transcripts.
Copy of the doctoral degree certificate.
Copy of an ID document or passport for foreign applicants.
Contact details of two academic referees who have taught or supervised the applicant.