Researcher

University of the Western Cape; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

University of the Western Cape invites applications for a permanent, full-time Researcher in the Centre for Legal Integration in Africa (CLIA) within the Faculty of Law. The appointment supports high-quality research and postgraduate education and enhances regional and international scholarly engagement.

The candidate will conduct research, supervise postgraduate students, assist the Director, manage CLIA's online presence, and help organise academic events.

Qualifications

• A master's degree in legal pluralism or a related field with progress toward a doctoral degree.
• Two years of teaching or tutoring experience.
• One DHET-accredited publication.
• Evidence of community engagement relevant to legal pluralism.
• Experience with course coordination or curriculum planning.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research, publish in accredited journals, and promote research activities
• Co-supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Faculty of Law
• Work closely with the Director to advance the strategic objectives of CLIA
• Manage the social media pages of CLIA, including updating its webpages
• Assist with organising webinars, seminars, conferences and similar events
• Lecture in legal pluralism related modules, primarily at postgraduate level

Education

Master's degree in legal pluralism or related field

Progress towards doctoral degree

Two years of teaching experience

One DHET-accredited publication

Community engagement involvement

Administrative duties (course coordination, curriculum planning)

Job description

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Title of Position

Researcher

Post Number

L016

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Law -> Centre for Legal Integration in Africa (CLIA)

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Closing Date

27/11/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) enjoys national and international acclaim for its continuing contribution to democratic change in South Africa and for making quality education accessible to all South Africans and developing centres of excellence of national importance. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and supportive Faculty dedicated to teaching and research, as well as to overall student development. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and willing to make a significant contribution to the development of the Faculty of Law.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key duties:

• Conduct research, publish in accredited journals, and promote research activities
• Co-supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Faculty of Law
• Work closely with the Director to advance the strategic objectives of CLIA
• Manage the social media pages of CLIA, including updating its webpages
• Assist with organising webinars, seminars, conferences and similar events
• Lecture in legal pluralism related modules, primarily at postgraduate level
• A master’s degree in legal pluralism or a related field, with evidence of advanced progress towards a doctoral degree in this field
• Two years of teaching or tutoring experience
• One DHET-accredited publication
• Evidence of active involvement in at least one community engagement activity relevant to the field of legal pluralism
• Evidence of involvement in administrative duties such as course coordination, curriculum planning, or committee work
• Evidence of early-stage engagement in academic or professional networks beyond the immediate institutional context

The following will serve as a strong advantage:

• A completed doctoral degree in legal pluralism or a related field
• Evidence of research supervision experience
• Evidence of successful project management
• Evidence of further peer reviewed research publications
• Evidence of winning grants or competitive scholarships
• Ability to liaise with stakeholders in government, academia and civil society
• Ability to work independently and within a team in a multicultural environment
• Ability to work under pressure and to adapt to dynamic work circumstances
• Ability to develop manuscripts for publication in accredited, high impact journals
• Experience in organising and facilitating online and face-to-face academic events

In your application, you are encouraged to explain in detail your plans for submitting grant proposals to national and international donors.

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.