Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology (1year)
Job Details
- Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology (1-Year Contract, Renewable up to 3 Years)
- Job ID: 6552
- Institution: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Faculty: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Department: Animal Science
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Temporary (Postdoctoral Fellowship)
- Contract Duration: 1 Year (Renewable annually for up to 3 years)
- Commencement Date: 1 January 2027
- Closing Date: 21 August 2026
Annual Fellowship Value:
- R270,000 annual fellowship
- R30,000 additional research expenses fund
Job Description
The University of the Free State (UFS) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Department of Animal Science. This fellowship is designed for recent PhD graduates who are interested in advancing their research careers in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, and Conservation Biology.
The successful candidate will contribute to multidisciplinary research focusing on African wildlife populations, habitat utilisation, sustainable rangeland management, wildlife monitoring, and evidence-based conservation planning. The fellowship also offers valuable opportunities to gain teaching experience, supervise postgraduate students, publish scientific research, and collaborate with experienced researchers on internationally recognised projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct innovative research in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, and Conservation Biology.
- Participate in research related to wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, conservation planning, and sustainable rangeland management.
- Study large herbivore ecology and African wildlife populations.
- Use modern research technologies such as GPS telemetry, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Publish a minimum of two peer-reviewed scientific articles each year.
- Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
- Assist with undergraduate teaching and practical training in Wildlife Science and Wildlife Management.
- Supervise and mentor Honours, Master’s, and PhD students.
- Contribute to curriculum development and academic module enhancement.
- Assist with research grant applications and project development.
- Participate in departmental research activities and fulfil all postdoctoral fellowship requirements at the University.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Rangeland Science, Animal Science, or a closely related field.
- Have obtained their doctoral qualification within the last five years.
- Demonstrate a strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Have experience conducting wildlife research and field-based ecological studies.
- Possess undergraduate teaching and practical training experience.
- Demonstrate the ability to contribute to curriculum development and postgraduate supervision.
- Have excellent scientific writing, research, and communication skills.
- Hold a valid driver’s licence.
- Be willing to relocate to Bloemfontein for the duration of the fellowship.
- Not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship period.
- Be able to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.