Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Contract Appointment: 2 Years)
Job Details
Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Contract Appointment: 2 Years)
Job ID: 6620
Reference Number: 2298
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Department: Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences – Department of Economics and Finance
Research Project: Restoring Biodiversity and Connection to Nature in the Southern African Mountains Research Chair
Location: Qwaqwa Campus, Free State
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Duration: 2 years
Fellowship Value: Competitive package in line with institutional and funder guidelines
Closing Date: 30 October 2026
Expected Commencement Date: 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible
Application Email: mudzingiric@ufs.ac.za
Enquiries: Dr Calvin Mudzingiri
Job Description
The University of the Free State invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in an interdisciplinary research project investigating the economic impacts and social uptake of improved rangeland management practices.
The project focuses on how rangeland management interventions and livestock value chain strategies influence livestock owners’ incomes, productivity and livelihoods in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa, and the surrounding areas.
The successful candidate will contribute to research on sustainable land management, rural livelihoods, climate-resilient agriculture and biodiversity conservation. The role involves analysing socioeconomic data, conducting fieldwork, evaluating project outcomes and producing research publications and policy reports.
Key Responsibilities
Examine community perceptions, social uptake and behavioural responses to improved rangeland management practices.
Design and implement impact evaluation frameworks to assess livelihood and income outcomes before and after rangeland management interventions.
Evaluate the economic and livelihood impacts of livestock market and value chain strategies.
Analyse household and community-level socioeconomic data, including income, productivity and welfare indicators.
Conduct qualitative interviews, focus groups and quantitative surveys.
Undertake literature reviews and apply relevant economic theories to development, poverty, resource management and sustainable development.
Conduct fieldwork in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa and surrounding areas.
Apply appropriate econometric, quasi-experimental and mixed-methods research approaches.
Contribute to peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs and stakeholder reports.
Participate in stakeholder workshops, seminars and research dissemination activities.
Engage with community stakeholders, policymakers and project implementation partners.
Contribute to grant writing and undergraduate lecturing opportunities.
Support postgraduate supervision at Honours, Master’s and PhD levels where relevant.
Requirements and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following inherent requirements:
A PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Development Studies or a closely related field, completed within the last five years.
Strong knowledge of applied microeconomics, development economics or environmental and resource economics.
Demonstrated experience in quantitative data analysis using tools such as Stata, R or Python, and/or mixed-methods research.
Evidence of peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts currently under review.
Ability to conduct field-based research in rural or communal settings.
Recommended Experience
The following experience and knowledge will be advantageous:
Experience in rangeland management, livestock systems, natural resource governance or climate adaptation.
Familiarity with impact evaluation methods, including Difference-in-Differences, Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Instrumental Variables (IV) and panel data estimation.
Experience working with community-based natural resource management initiatives.
Knowledge of rural contexts in Southern Africa.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents by email:
A motivation letter, including a one- to two-page outline of relevant expertise and experience and how it aligns with the project.
A comprehensive CV, including research publications, conference papers and other scholarly outputs.
Certified copies of full academic transcripts.
A certified copy of the doctoral degree certificate.
A SAQA certificate for qualifications obtained outside South Africa.
A certified copy of an ID document or a passport for foreign applicants.
Contact details of two academic referees who have taught or supervised the applicant.