Senior Researcher- University of the Free State (5years)
Position Information
- Job Title: Senior Researcher (GIS and Remote Sensing, and Environmental Management)
- Job ID: 6477
- Contract Type: 5-year Contract
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Department: Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa
- Faculty: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Campus: Bloemfontein Campus
- Closing Date: 11 June 2026
- Starting Date: As soon as possible
- Salary: Available on request
Job Description
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and coordinating advanced research in:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Remote sensing
- Environmental management
- Disaster risk reduction
- Climate resilience
- Sustainable development
The role focuses on developing innovative geospatial methods and technologies to support environmental assessment, hazard mapping, risk analysis, and disaster management research.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Coordinate and lead high-impact GIS and remote sensing research programmes.
- Conduct environmental and disaster risk research.
- Develop geospatial models and methodologies for:
- Hazard mapping
- Environmental assessment
- Risk and vulnerability analysis
- Integrate GeoAI and machine learning into environmental and disaster research.
- Publish research in accredited national and international journals.
- Present research findings at international scientific conferences.
- Supervise postgraduate students, especially master’s students.
- Lead multidisciplinary research projects and collaborate with scholarly networks.
- Contribute to sustainable development and climate resilience initiatives.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A PhD (NQF Level 10) in:
- Environmental Management
- Geography
- GIS
- Geoinformatics
- or a closely related field
- Experience presenting papers/posters at national conferences.
- National recognition for specialist expertise in a research area.
- An NRF rating or the potential to obtain one.
- Experience supervising graduated master’s students.
- A proven research publication record in accredited journals.
- Experience serving on scholarly societies, committees, or research bodies.
Recommended Qualifications and Experience
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- At least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience.
- Minimum of 10 peer-reviewed journal publications.
- Experience leading research projects and teams.
- Strong GIS and remote sensing expertise.
- Experience in:
- Spatial modelling
- Geostatistics
- Predictive analytics
- GeoAI
- Machine learning
- Cloud computing
- Big data analytics
- Strong scientific writing and presentation skills.
Required Competencies
Results Oriented
- Goal-driven
- Persistent and determined
- High work standards
Strategic Thinking
- Strong analytical abilities
- Attention to detail
- Organised work approach
Business Acumen
- Able to follow policies and regulations
- Proficient in MS Office
Leadership
- Motivated and energetic
- Team-oriented
Building Coalitions
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Able to build professional relationships easily
Benefits
Subject to conditions, benefits include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed CV
- Qualifications or proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation (for foreign qualifications)
- South African ID or passport
- Proof of current or previous employment
Applications must be submitted through the official UFS vacancies website.