Close Menu
    Wednesday, April 29
    Job Opportunity

    Research Theme Leader – Systems for Societal Development x1

    3 Mins Read
    Research Theme Leader – Systems for Societal Development

    Research Theme Leader – Systems for Societal Development x1

    • Position: Research Theme Leader – Systems for Societal Development
    • Level: Associate Professor or Professor
    • Employer: University of the Free State (UFS)
    • Type: Contract (start: 1 Feb 2026 or ASAP thereafter)
    • Location: Bloemfontein
    • Salary: Competitive, based on seniority
    • Sector: Research, Higher Education

    This is a senior academic leadership position responsible for directing one of UFS’s flagship research themes. The role drives interdisciplinary research, builds partnerships, secures funding, supervises postgraduate students, develops strategic research programmes, and strengthens the university’s national and global reputation in systems-based sustainable development research.

     Job Description

    Research Theme Leader: Systems for Societal Development
    (Associate Professor or Professor)
    University of the Free State

    As part of its Vision 130 Strategy, the University of the Free State is establishing strategic research themes that advance impactful scholarship and societal transformation. The Theme Leader for Systems for Societal Development will provide visionary leadership for interdisciplinary research focusing on how integrated systems—social, economic, digital, infrastructural, and institutional—enable sustainable, equitable, and future-ready societies.

    Key Responsibilities

    1. Strategic Research Leadership

    • Develop and implement a long-term research strategy aligned with UFS Vision 130, national priorities, and the UN SDGs.

    • Position UFS as a national and continental leader in systemic, sustainable development research.

    2. Interdisciplinary & Transdisciplinary Research Excellence

    • Lead cross-faculty research programmes spanning six core focus areas:

      • Community Development & Social Innovation

      • Human Capital & Future of Work

      • Digital Futures & Data Science

      • Infrastructure & Technological Advancement

      • Financial & Economic Systems

      • Sustainable Urban & Municipal Development

    • Drive innovative research that integrates diverse disciplines and sectors.

    3. Societal, Policy & Impact Engagement

    • Collaborate with government, industry, NGOs, and civil society.

    • Ensure research informs governance, policy, public service delivery, and social innovation.

    • Strengthen institutional resilience, inclusion, and social cohesion.

    4. Research Funding & Partnerships

    • Lead major funding proposals to national and international funders.

    • Build strategic partnerships and generate diverse income streams (grants, contracts, agencies).

    5. Capacity Development & Mentorship

    • Supervise postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

    • Build a pipeline of emerging researchers focused on societal transformation.

    • Promote research excellence across disciplines.

    6. Institutional Collaboration & Representation

    • Work closely with other Theme Leaders and the Directorate Research Development.

    • Represent UFS in national and global research networks related to systems thinking, innovation, and development.

     Key Requirements 

    Minimum Requirements

    • PhD in a relevant field (Social Sciences, Economics, Governance, Engineering, Data Science, Development Studies, or similar).

    • Eligibility for appointment at Associate Professor or Professor level (per UFS criteria).

    • Proven track record leading complex multidisciplinary research initiatives.

    • Strong research output in one or more theme focus areas.

    • Evidence of securing and managing external research funding.

    • Experience in stakeholder engagement (government, industry, civil society).

    • Excellent strategic, communication, and networking skills.

    Preferred / Advantageous

    • NRF-rating or equivalent international recognition.

    • Experience managing large-scale international or transdisciplinary collaborations.

    • Knowledge of systems theory, innovation ecosystems, and policy research.

    • Track record of translating research into policy or societal impact.

    Core Competencies

    • Results orientation & accountability

    • Strategic thinking & agility

    • Research and business acumen

    • High-level leadership & influence

    • Networking and coalition building

    • Adaptability, innovation & systems thinking

    APPLY NOW:

    ALSO SEE:

    Share.

    Related Posts