Researcher (Job ID: 6590)

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Medical aid scheme

Group life insurance

Housing allowance

Leave and sick leave

Service bonus

Study benefits

Job summary

University of the Free State invites applications for a lead role in the Terminology Development Project. The incumbent will coordinate project activities, drive research in African languages, terminology development and multilingualism initiatives, and align language policy within the Academy for Multilingualism.

The position requires a PhD or an MA with strong publication potential and substantial experience in a higher education or government setting related to language development.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent higher degree in relevant field.
• Two years' experience in terminology development.
• Experience in academia or government bodies related to African languages.
• Evidence of manuscripts with publication potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Terminology Development Project activities.
• Conduct research on African languages, terminology development, and multilingualism.
• Coordinate language policy implementation within the Academy for Multilingualism.
• Collaborate with UFS faculties, departments and external stakeholders.

Education

PhD on NQF Level 10 in languages/linguistics/terminology development

Master of Arts in languages/linguistics/terminology development

Honours degree in African Languages studies (NQF Level 8)

Manuscripts ready for publication

Ability to cope with change

Ability to work under pressure

Experience in HEI or government órgão African Languages

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Duties and responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the UFS Terminology Development Project activities.
• Conduct research in the areas of the development of African languages, terminology development, and multilingualism initiatives.
• Coordinate language policy implementation initiatives in the Academy for Multilingualism.
• Work in collaboration with UFS faculties and departments, and external stakeholders on terminology development projects.

Inherent requirements

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in the field of languages, linguistics, terminology development, lexicography or related language studies (permanent appointment),
• or
• A Master of Arts degree on NQF Level 9 in the field of languages, linguistics, terminology development, lexicography or related language studies (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in the field of languages, linguistics, terminology development, lexicography or related language studies must be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• A minimum of two (2) years’ relevant experience in a terminology development project.
• Have worked in a Higher Education Institution or any Government Department or Entity that specialises in African Language development activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.

Recommendations

• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in a Higher Education or Government institution that specialises in African Languages promotion.
• Hold an Honours degree on NQF Level 8 in the field of African Languages studies or a related field.
• Knowledge of Sesotho Language, terminology development, and lexicography.

Results Orientated

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Strategic Thinking

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties

1 November 2026.

23 September 2026

The salary is available on request.

• (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2876 or email [e-mail] or [e-mail]. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558/9813 for assistance.