Postdoctoral Research Fellowship- University of the Free State 1year
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Faculty: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Department: Department of Agricultural Economics
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus
- Contract: 1-Year Contract (Renewable up to 2 Years)
- Closing Date: 7 June 2026
- Commencement Date: 1 July 2026
Position Overview
The Department of Agricultural Economics seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct advanced research on the sustainable use of freshwater resources in agricultural and food production systems.
The fellowship provides an opportunity for recent PhD graduates to gain research and innovation experience within a university environment under the mentorship of established academics.
Selection is highly competitive and based on:
- Academic achievements
- Research experience
- Publication record
- Research potential
- Relevance of expertise to the project’s focus areas
Research Areas
Applicants should have experience or strong research interest in one or more of the following fields:
Water Footprint Assessment
- Measuring water usage in agricultural and food products
- Sustainability assessment of agri-food production systems
Virtual Water Trade
- Analysis of water embedded in agricultural products
- International and domestic trade impacts on water resources
Blue Water Footprint Caps
- River basin water allocation
- Sustainable freshwater resource management
- Water-use thresholds and policy development
Climate Finance and Agriculture
- Financial mechanisms encouraging sustainable water use
- Climate adaptation and mitigation in agriculture
- Green financing models for agricultural production
Key Responsibilities
Research Activities
- Conduct innovative and high-quality research related to:
- Water footprint assessment
- Sustainable water management
- Virtual water trade
- Climate finance
- River basin water governance
Academic Publications
- Produce a minimum of three scholarly outputs annually, including:
- ISI-accredited journal articles
- Academic books
- Book chapters
Research Development
- Initiate research projects
- Develop funding proposals
- Seek external research funding opportunities
Academic Participation
- Register as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UFS
- Participate in:
- Research seminars
- Workshops
- Postgraduate activities
- Research Development programmes
Reporting
- Submit annual progress reports
- Demonstrate satisfactory performance for fellowship renewal
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Academic Qualification
- Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline
- Have obtained the PhD within the last five years
Employment Status
- Not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship period
Residence Requirement
- Relocate to Bloemfontein if appointed
- Spend at least 80% of the fellowship period at UFS
Research Experience
- Experience presenting research at:
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Academic forums
Publication Record
- Have authored or co-authored academic publications
Nationality
- Open to:
- South African citizens
- Permanent residents
- International applicants
Fellowship Benefits
Annual Fellowship Funding
R270,000 per annum (Tax-Free)
Research Running Costs
R30,000 per annum
May be used for:
- Conference attendance
- Research materials
- Data collection
- Publication-related expenses
- Other approved research activities
Preferred Candidate Profile
Strong candidates will typically possess:
- PhD in Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Water Resource Economics, Sustainability Science, Environmental Management, Agricultural Sciences, Development Studies, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
- Quantitative and analytical research skills.
- Experience using statistical and economic analysis tools.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Strong academic writing skills.
- Experience developing research proposals and funding applications.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
1. Motivation Letter
Including:
- Research interests
- Relevant expertise
- Relevant experience
- 1–2 page research overview
2. Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
Including:
- Educational qualifications
- Research experience
- Publication list
- Conference presentations
- Scholarly outputs
3. Academic Documentation
- Full academic transcripts
- PhD certificate
4. SAQA Evaluation
(Required for qualifications obtained outside South Africa)
5. Identification
- South African ID or
- Passport (foreign applicants)
6. Academic Referees
Contact details of two academic referees who:
- Taught you, or
- Supervised your studies
Application Submission
Applications must be emailed directly to:
Prof. Henry Jordaan
Closing Date: 7 June 2026
Late applications will not be considered.