Postdoctoral Fellow

Durban University of Technology; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 255,000 - 345,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-exempt stipend

Job summary

Durban University of Technology invites applications for a 12‑month Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Public Management and Economics. Successful candidates will conduct innovative research aligned with DUT’s ENVISION2030 objectives and contribute to high‑quality scholarly publications.

Eligibility includes a PhD awarded within five years, international applicants welcome, and the ability to base in Durban.

Qualifications

• Must hold a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) awarded within the last five years.
• Must not be permanently employed at any university or research institution.
• Must not have held a DUT postdoctoral fellowship previously.
• Proficiency in advanced quantitative methods and qualitative software.
• Published at least one article or submitted one for review.
• Must demonstrate a record of, or clear potential for, peer-reviewed publication.
• Must be available to be based primarily at DUT Durban for the duration of the fellowship.
• International applicants are welcome; valid work authorisation for South Africa is required before commencement.
• Must be 45 years of age or younger at the time of application.

Responsibilities

• To place DUT at the forefront of research and innovation.
• Conduct active and innovative research aligned with the research priorities of the Department and contribute to high-quality scholarly publications.
• Produce a minimum of two research units per annum in DHET-accredited journals, in accordance with institutional research and publication requirements.
• Contribute to postgraduate research supervision through an active co-supervisory role, under the guidance of the designated academic supervisor.
• Participate actively in the Department’s research activities, including seminars, webinars, research engagements, knowledge-sharing initiatives and relevant academic forums.
• Teach modules undergraduate/ postgraduate programmes.
• Initiate local, national and international network of researchers.
• Submit quarterly progress reports to the Project Leader, detailing research activities, outputs, milestones achieved and planned activities for the subsequent reporting period.

Skills

Quantitative methods

Qualitative software

Research publication

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM INTERESTED PERSON(S) FOR THE UNDER MENTIONED POSITION. THE ADVERT IS OPEN TO BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL APPLICANTS

Department of Public Management and Economics

Postdoctoral Fellow

BACKGROUND

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) invites applications from passionate, high-achieving and results-oriented researchers for appointment as Post-Doctoral Research Fellows for the 2026 academic year.

Successful candidates will undertake research within the Department of Public Management and Economics, contributing to the Department’s research priorities and strengthening its research and innovation agenda.

The Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship aligns with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategic vision, which places emphasis on impactful scholarship, innovation, meaningful community engagement and the generation of knowledge that contributes to sustainable societal development. Fellows will be expected to undertake high-quality, innovative research that advances knowledge within their respective fields while contributing to DUT’s broader institutional research objectives and societal impact.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF) supports research and other activities as specified by the Hosting entity. The Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme aims to provide opportunities for postdoctoral candidates to conduct innovative research, publish, and increase knowledge in the specified expertise. We, therefore, seek candidates who will fulfil the following objectives:

• To place DUT at the forefront of research and innovation
• Conduct active and innovative research aligned with the research priorities of the Department and contribute to high-quality scholarly publications.
• Produce a minimum of two research units per annum in DHET-accredited journals, in accordance with institutional research and publication requirements.
• Contribute to postgraduate research supervision through an active co-supervisory role, under the guidance of the designated academic supervisor.
• Participate actively in the Department’s research activities, including seminars, webinars, research engagements, knowledge-sharing initiatives and relevant academic forums.
• Teach modules undergraduate/ postgraduate programmes.
• Initiate local, national and international network of researchers.
• Submit quarterly progress reports to the Project Leader, detailing research activities, outputs, milestones achieved and planned activities for the subsequent reporting period.

KEY DETAILS

1. VALUE PER ANNUM: R300 000 per annum (tax-exempt stipend), subject to confirmation of funding
2. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Must hold a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) awarded within the last five years in fields described above.
• Must not be permanently employed at any university or research institution.
• Must not have held a DUT postdoctoral fellowship previously.
• Proficiency in advanced quantitative methods and qualitative software
• Published at least one article or submitted one for review
• Must demonstrate a record of, or clear potential for, peer-reviewed publication.
• Must be available to be based primarily at DUT Durban for the duration of the fellowship.
• International applicants are welcome; valid work authorisation for South Africa is required before commencement.
• Must be 45 years of age or younger at the time of application.

1. DURATION OF TENURE: 12 months, renewable, subject to evidence of progress and availability of funding.
2. CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS: 09 October 2026
3. POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP START DATE: as soon as all conditions of appointment are met
4. CONTACT PERSON: Viko Mazwi
5. STATUS OF POSITION: 2 Year Contract, but renewable.
6. APPLICATION PLATFORM: Applications will be received only via DUT Careers Portal /SimplifyHR.

Applications should include:

1. A full Curriculum Vitae
2. Official certified Academic transcripts of all degrees and the corresponding certified copies of the Degree certificates.
3. A certified copy of the identity document details page or passport details page.
4. Visa (required from successful International Researchers only).
5. Medical certificate (required from successful International Researchers only. For SA Citizens and SA Permanent Residents, it is not required).
6. Two reference letters, one of which must be from the Doctoral Supervisor.

Please note:

The University reserves the right not to appoint.

While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be given in terms of the University’s Equity Plan.