Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Chemical &Earth Sciences

University of Fort Hare; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 270,000 - 330,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Fort Hare invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Geography and Environmental Science Discipline to focus on Community-Based Soil Resource Management and Soil Rehabilitation. The appointment is for a 24-month period within the Department of Postgraduate Studies and Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Applicants should hold a doctorate completed within the last five years in Geomorphology, Environmental Geomorphology, GIS/Remote Sensing, or related fields.

Qualifications

• Doctorate completed within the last five years in Geomorphology, Environmental Geomorphology, Environmental Science/Studies, Geographic Information Systems/Remote Sensing, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
• Must not be employed by UFH at the time of accepting the fellowship.
• Preference given to South African females.

Responsibilities

• Publish or submit 2 units for publication review in DHET-accredited journals by end of the first year.
• Publish 2 units (or be in press) in subsequent years; all papers must be on the postdoctoral research topic.
• Demonstrate competence in data analysis and GIS/RS applications for erosion mapping and soil rehabilitation.

Skills

Quantitative & qualitative research

Academic writing

Field research

Data management

Geospatial analysis

Education

PhD in Geomorphology or related field

Tools

SPSS

GIS

Remote Sensing

Thematic/Discourse analysis

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Chemical &Earth Sciences

30 Sep 2026 - 9 Oct 2026

Fixed Term Contract

EC000840

Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape

DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS (On behalf of the Department of Chemical and Earth Sciences)

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period)

Description

The Geography and Environmental Science Discipline wish to appoint one Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to focus on Community-Based Soil Resource Management and Soil Rehabilitation. The research will use a mixed-methods approach for data collection. Satellite images will be used to assess and map erosion across the Tyume catchment, alongside interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires.

Requirements

• The successful candidate must have a doctorate completed within the last five years in Geomorphology, Environmental Geomorphology, Environmental Science/Studies, Geographic Information Systems/Remote Sensing, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad.
• The successful candidate may not be employed by UFH (including Time on Task) at the time of accepting the postdoctoral fellowship, and thereafter.
• 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 the first year, the PDRF is expected to have published or submitted papers amounting to 2 units for publication review in DHET-accredited journals on the topic of their postdoctoral research.
• PDRF extending into the second and subsequent years is expected to have 2 units published (or be in press). All papers must be on 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

• Competence in data analysis (SPSS, Thematic and Discourse)
• Proficient in statistical analysis.
• Proficient data management.
• Demonstrate relevant experience, understanding, and knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research approaches.
• Field research experience.
• Strong academic writing skills.
• Exceptional command of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing.

Remuneration

The annual stipend for this position is R300,000, paid quarterly in four equal instalments.

For queries

For inquiries about details regarding the PDF position, please contact Dr HB Magagula at [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.