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    Research Theme Leader – Flourishing Life x1

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    Research Theme Leader – Flourishing Life x1
    • Position: Research Theme Leader – Flourishing Life
    • Rank: Associate Professor or Professor
    • Institution: University of the Free State (UFS)
    • Location: Bloemfontein
    • Type: 5-year contract
    • Start Date: 1 Feb 2026 or ASAP
    • Salary: Competitive (senior academic band)
    • Sector: Education, Research Leadership

    The Theme Leader will direct UFS’s flagship research theme Flourishing Life, focusing on inclusive human flourishing, social justice, democracy, cultural identity, and ethical, humanities-led approaches to societal wellbeing. The role requires a senior academic with strong interdisciplinary research experience, proven leadership, and the ability to secure external funding and drive high-impact scholarship.

     Job Description

    Research Theme Leader: Flourishing Life
    Associate Professor or Professor (5-year Contract)
    University of the Free State

    As part of its Vision 130 strategy, UFS is establishing four flagship research themes to position the institution as a continental leader in transformative scholarship. The Theme Leader for Flourishing Life will guide interdisciplinary research bridging the humanities, social sciences, law, education, governance, and creative arts to advance human dignity, well-being, culture, democracy, and social justice in South Africa and beyond.

    Key Responsibilities

    1. Strategic Leadership & Vision

    • Design and implement a forward-looking research strategy aligned with UFS Vision 130, national research priorities, and global development frameworks (SDGs, Agenda 2063, DSI Decadal Plan).

    • Position UFS as a national and continental centre of excellence in human flourishing, peacebuilding, ethics, and social transformation.

    2. Interdisciplinary & Transdisciplinary Research Excellence

    • Lead major research programmes across the theme’s three research pillars:

      • Cross-border & Global Issues

      • Identity, Culture & Heritage

      • Peace, Democracy, Social Justice & Human Rights

    • Foster collaborations across faculties, institutes, and disciplines to produce cutting-edge, socially relevant research.

    3. Societal, Cultural & Policy Impact

    • Advance research that contributes to reconciliation, democratic culture, inclusive development, and cultural renewal.

    • Engage communities, civil society, policymakers, and global partners to translate knowledge into meaningful public impact.

    4. Research Funding & Partnerships

    • Lead competitive national and international funding proposals.

    • Build partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, philanthropic organisations, and cultural institutions.

    • Grow sustainable research income streams through grants, contracts, and consortium collaborations.

    5. Capacity Development & Mentorship

    • Supervise and mentor postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career academics.

    • Build a diverse research community committed to excellence, inclusion, and transformative scholarship.

    6. Institutional Integration & Representation

    • Collaborate with other Theme Leaders and the Directorate Research Development.

    • Represent UFS in national and international forums focused on well-being, ethics, culture, democracy, and justice.

     Key Skills & Requirements

    Minimum Requirements

    • PhD in relevant fields (Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Education, or related interdisciplinary areas).

    • Eligible for appointment at Associate Professor or Professor per UFS criteria.

    • Proven research record in any of the theme’s core domains:

      • Identity, Culture, Heritage

      • Democracy, Governance, Human Rights

      • Peace, Justice, Social Inclusion

    • Leadership experience in multidisciplinary research teams or programmes.

    • Demonstrable success in securing external research funding.

    • Proven public engagement or policy influence.

    Preferred / Advantageous

    • NRF rating or equivalent international scholarly recognition.

    • Experience in international or national large-scale research collaborations.

    • Proven societal, cultural, or policy impact.

    • Experience with creative, community-based, or participatory research methods.

    • Knowledge of African and South African science policy frameworks.

    Core Competencies

    • Results Orientation: High standards, goal-driven, research excellence.

    • Strategic Agility: Ability to synthesise complex ideas and anticipate societal trends.

    • Research & Business Acumen: Knowledge of funding systems, proposal development, research governance.

    • Leadership & Influence: Ability to inspire collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams.

    • Networking & Coalition Building: Strong academic, public, and civil-society partnerships.

    • Cultural & Emotional Intelligence: Sensitivity to diverse contexts and identities.

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