Postdoctoral Research Fellowship- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science
- Job ID: 6558
- Organisation: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Department: Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State
- Contract: One year, renewable up to three years
- Occupational Level: Temporary
- Fellowship Value: R270,000 per year
- Research Expenses: R30,000 additional research fund
- Commencement Date: 2 January 2027
- Closing Date: 11 September 2026
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science.
The fellowship is aimed at researchers interested in developing an academic or professional career in statistical research, particularly those with research interests and expertise in Bayesian modelling and mixed models.
The fellowship is awarded competitively based on academic achievement, research publications, research potential, and the relevance of the applicant’s previous experience and expertise. The initial fellowship is for one year and may be renewed for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance.
Key Responsibilities
The successful fellow will be expected to:
- Conduct innovative research into actuarial applications of likelihood-based statistical inference for heavy-tailed distributions under censoring and truncation modelling.
- Produce at least three DHET-accredited scholarly publication outputs per year, including journal articles, books or book chapters.
- Initiate research projects and seek funding opportunities.
- Register and reside as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UFS.
- Participate in relevant academic and research activities within the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science.
- Submit an annual progress report as part of the renewal process.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African or foreign nationals.
- Be available for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
- Have obtained a PhD in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
- Not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
- Be willing and able to relocate to UFS for the duration of the fellowship.
- Reside at UFS for at least 80% of the postdoctoral fellowship period.