Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Centre for Global Change

University of Fort Hare; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (PDRF) in the Centre for Global Change, Eastern Cape. The 24‑month project focuses on reconfiguring agro-industrial systems for just transitions, net-zero pathways, and inclusive livelihoods in the Eastern Cape, with transdisciplinary, participatory methods and living labs.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant field, demonstrate a strong publication record, and work with government and private

Qualifications

• Doctorate or PhD in a relevant field (Agriculture, Development Studies, Sociology, Geography, etc.).
• Evidence of strong research track record and peer-reviewed publications preferred.
• Experience with socio-economic surveys and environmental assessments is essential.
• Ability to design and evaluate pilot interventions and conduct MEL is required.
• Proven data analysis skills (quantitative and qualitative) and systems thinking knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the project on reconfiguring agro-industrial systems for just transitions.
• Publish manuscripts (2 units in first year; 2 units in subsequent years).
• Collaborate with government and private sector partners.
• Ensure research is locally relevant, socially inclusive, and scalable.

Skills

Socio-economic surveys

Environmental assessments

Agro-ecological assessments

Pilot interventions design

Monitoring & Evaluation (MEL)

Quantitative data analysis

Qualitative data analysis

Systems thinking

Education

PhD in Agriculture or related field

Recent PhD (within last 5 years)

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Centre for Global Change

30 Sep 2026 - 9 Oct 2026

Fixed Term Contract

EC000838

Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape

DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period)
Description: The Centre for Global Change wishes to appoint one Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to focus on a project titled: Reconfiguring Agro-Industrial Systems for Just Transitions, Net-Zero Pathways, and Inclusive Livelihoods in Eastern Cape. Building on the prior agro-ecological research at the Centre for Global Change (CGC), the purpose of the project is to establish the Food Factories Work (FFW) model in the Eastern Cape through strategic partnerships with government officials and the private sector. Crucially, this project employs transdisciplinary and participatory methods, such as living labs and the co-production of knowledge, to ensure that innovations are locally relevant, socially inclusive, and scalable.

Requirements:

• The successful candidate will preferably have a doctorate, completed in the last five years, in Agriculture, Business management, Geography, Development Studies, Sociology, Communication, or any other closely related area, at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad.
• If not yet in possession of a doctoral degree, they need to submit a written statement from the Registrar (or equivalent) at the issuing University confirming that they satisfactorily fulfilled the University’s requirements for a doctoral degree at the time of application for a postdoctoral research fellowship. Details of the qualification and expected date of graduation should be included in the statement.
• The successful candidate may not be in the employment of UFH (including Time on Task) at the time of taking the postdoctoral fellowship.
• The successful candidate may not be employed in any other institution/company during their postdoctoral fellowship.
• The successful candidate may be of any age, gender or nationality (subject only to the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs)
• Preference will be given to South African females.

Conditions:

• By the end of their first year, the PDRF is expected to have submitted manuscripts amounting to 2 units on the topic of their postdoctoral research.
• A PDRF extending into their second and subsequent years is expected to have published (or have in-press) 2 units. All papers must be on the topic of the postdoctoral research and details of the papers must be submitted by the host to the PGS office by the end of each renewal year.

Project requirements: .

• Possession of technical research skills such as conducting socio-economic surveys, perform environmental and agro-ecological assessments, design and evaluate pilot interventions, conduct monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills.
• Acquaintance with systems thinking, such as, socio-ecological systems, food–energy–water nexus, food–energy–labour nexus, and circular systems.
• Excellent record of peer-reviewed articles in accredited journals.

For queries: Please contact Dr Leocadia Zhou ([e-mail]) and Prof Charles Mutengwa ([e-mail]).

• NOTE:
• Applications will be treated in order of arrival and with the highest degree of confidentiality. Correspondence will be with short‑listed candidates only.
• The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing, preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards the achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile.
• The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment.

Closing date: 09 October 2026.