Close Menu
    Monday, March 9
    Jobs

    Postdoctoral Research Fellowship(1-year contract)

    3 Mins Read
    POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

    JOB OVERVIEW / DESCRIPTION

    • Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
    • Job ID: 6256
    • Position Type: Temporary (1-year contract, renewable for up to 2 years based on performance and funding availability)
    • Location: Bloemfontein, University of the Free State – Faculty of Law, Office of the Vice-Dean: Learning, Teaching, Innovation and Digitalisation
    • Start Date: 01 February 2026
    • Closing Date for Applications: 30 November 2025

    OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION:

    The purpose of the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is to support original and innovative research in Law, with a special focus on teaching, learning, innovation, and digitalisation in higher education. The fellowship is intended for early-career researchers to develop their academic and research profile under the mentorship of established scholars in the Faculty of Law.

    KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Conduct impactful, original research related to teaching, learning, innovation, and digitalisation in higher education.

    • Produce DHET-accredited publications contributing to national and international scholarly debates.

    • Actively participate in funded research projects and contribute to the development of new project proposals.

    • Register and reside as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Free State (UFS).

    • Participate in institutional research activities coordinated by the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research.

    • Submit annual progress reports for performance review and fellowship renewal consideration.

    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (INHERENT REQUIREMENTS):

    • A doctoral degree (LLD or PhD in a relevant discipline) obtained within the last five years.

    • Willingness and ability to reside in Bloemfontein and commit to a residential fellowship (80% of time spent at UFS).

    • Not currently employed in full-time salaried work.

    RECOMMENDATIONS / PREFERRED CRITERIA:

    • Demonstrated interest or experience in legal education, digitalisation, or innovation in higher education.

    • A strong record of academic writing and peer-reviewed publications.

    • Familiarity with South African higher education policies and frameworks (advantageous but not essential).

    KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

    • Academic writing and research analysis

    • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within academic projects

    • Planning and time management

    • Critical thinking and innovation

    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

    REMUNERATION / FELLOWSHIP VALUE:

    • Annual Fellowship Stipend: R270,000

    • Additional Research Funding: R30,000 per annum

    Note: The fellowship does not include standard employee benefits and is subject to applicable tax regulations.

    APPLICATION PROCESS:

    Submit the following documents via email to Dr. Jacques Matthee at mattheejl@ufs.ac.za by 30 November 2025:

    1. A detailed motivation letter (1–2 pages) outlining relevant experience and research interests

    2. Full Curriculum Vitae including a list of academic publications and scholarly outputs

    3. Full academic transcript and certified copy of doctoral degree certificate

    4. Copy of South African ID or passport (for international applicants)

    5. Contact details for two academic referees

    EQUITY AND COMPLIANCE:

    The University of the Free State is committed to employment equity and transformation. Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from under-represented designated groups, including persons with disabilities, as per the Employment Equity Plan of the University.

    All applications will be handled in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA

    APPLY NOW:

    ALSO SEE:

    Share.

    Related Posts