Postdoctoral Fellow – Data Science & Industrial Psychology

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Free State invites applications for a one-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Industrial Psychology, Organisational Development, Data Science, and Future of Work Studies at the Bloemfontein campus.

The successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research, publish scholarly work, and contribute to evidence-based organisational practice while spending 80% of the period on site in Bloemfontein. Closing date is 20 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Industrial Psychology, HRM, Organisational Psychology, Data Science, or closely related field.
• Doctoral qualification obtained within the last five years.
• Strong academic track record and research potential.
• Evidence of scholarly publications or publishable work.
• Strong interest in quantitative research and organisational systems.
• Analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Experience with Python, R, Power BI, SPSS, machine learning or advanced analytics advantageous.
• Not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Be able to relocate to UFS for the duration of the fellowship.
• Residential fellowship: spend 80% of the period at the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.
• Critical and strategic thinking.
• Advanced research capability.
• Statistical and data interpretation skills.
• Academic writing and publication ability.
• Innovation and curiosity.
• Interest in organisational effectiveness and future work systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Industrial Psychology and data science.
• Publish high-impact scholarly articles and conference papers.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams within UFS.
• Present findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Python

R

Power BI

SPSS

Machine learning

Advanced analytics

Education

Doctoral degree in Industrial Psychology/HRM/Organisational Psychology/Data Science

Job description

The University of the Free State invites applications for a one-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Industrial Psychology, Organisational Development, Data Science, and Future of Work Studies at the Bloemfontein campus.

The successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research, publish scholarly work, and contribute to evidence-based organisational practice while spending 80% of the period on site in Bloemfontein. Closing date is 20 November 2026.