Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (1-year contract, renewable up to 2 years)

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 270 000 - 311 000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution is offering a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The position allows candidates to conduct impactful research in the field of Law, with a focus on teaching, learning, innovation, and digitalization. Applicants must hold an LLD or PhD and be willing to commit to the research for a minimum of one year. The fellowship provides an annual funding of R270 000 and additional expenses for research.

Qualifications

• Graduated with an LLD or PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original, innovative and impactful research linked to the Vice‑Dean's portfolio.
• Generate high‑quality research outputs contributing to national and international debates.
• Participate in research projects and seek funding for them.

Education

LLD or PhD degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

Job title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (1-year contract, renewable up to 2 years)

Location: Free State, Bloemfontein

Deadline: December 17, 2025

Description

• The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Office of the Vice‑Dean: Learning, Teaching, Innovation and Digitalisation in the Faculty of Law. Candidates interested in pursuing an academic or professional career in (research) Law, with special research interests in teaching, learning, innovation and digitalisation are encouraged to apply.
• The fellowship will enable an outstanding doctoral graduate to obtain experience in research and innovation at a higher education institution under the mentorship of established researchers.
• The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, considering the applicants' academic achievements, publication outputs and research potential, as well as the relevance of prior experience and expertise. The fellowship is available for a period of one year, renewable for up to two years subject to satisfactory performance and available funding.

Duties and responsibilities

• Conduct original, innovative and impactful research linked to the Vice‑Dean's portfolio.
• Generate high‑quality, DHET‑accredited outputs contributing to national and international debates on teaching, learning, and digitalisation in higher education. Renewal beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
• Participate in research projects and seek funding for them.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral research fellow at UFS and participate in relevant activities of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research.

Eligibility criteria

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full‑time research at UFS.
• Graduated with an LLD or PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• Successful applicants must not hold full‑time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the applicant must spend 80% of the postdoctoral period at UFS.
• Competencies

Application documents

• Motivation letter, including a 1–2‑page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly output.
• Full transcripts of academic record and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught or supervised the candidate.

Value of the fellowship

• R270 000 annual fellowship.
• R30 000 additional research expenses.

Commencement

01 February 2026

Closing date

30 November 2025