Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – University of the Free State (1 year)
Job Details
- Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science
- Job ID: 6594
- Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Department: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences – Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Contract
- Fellowship Duration: 1 year, renewable for up to 3 years
- Commencement Date: 2 January 2027
- Closing Date: 18 September 2026
- Annual Fellowship: R270,000
- Additional Research Fund: R30,000
Job Description
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 candidates interested in pursuing 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 achievements, research publications, research potential, and the relevance of the applicant’s previous experience and expertise.
The fellowship is initially offered for one year and may be renewed for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Conducting innovative research in Bayesian modelling.
- Producing at least three publication outputs per year, in the form of DHET-accredited scholarly journal articles or books/book chapters.
- Preparing an annual progress report for fellowship renewal.
- Initiating research projects.
- Seeking funding for research projects.
- Registering and residing as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of the Free State.
- Participating in relevant activities within the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science.
Requirements & Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Open to South African and foreign nationals.
- Must undertake full-time research at the University of the Free State.
- Must have graduated with a PhD in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
- Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
- Applicants must be able to relocate to the University of the Free State for the duration of the fellowship.
- This is a residential fellowship, with the successful candidate required to spend at least 80% of the postdoctoral period at UFS.
Application Requirements
Applicants must email the following documents:
- A motivation letter, including a 1–2 page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
- A full CV, including research publications, conference papers and other scholarly outputs.
- Full academic transcripts.
- A copy of the doctoral degree certificate.
- A copy of an ID document or passport for foreign applicants.
- Contact details of two academic referees who have taught or supervised the candidate.
Fellowship Value
- R270,000 annual fellowship
- R30,000 additional research expenses fund
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email to:
Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Commencement: 2 January 2027