Senior Lecturer/Researcher 1 x position) Contract appointment: 5 years)

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,400,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Medical aid

Group life insurance

Housing allowance

Leave and sick leave

Service bonus

Study benefits

Job summary

University of the Free State invites applications for a Senior Lecturer/Researcher in the FS Centre for Human Rights. The role combines research, teaching and supervision in poverty, rights and democracy, with emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and fundraising.

The successful candidate will contribute to the Research Chair's projects, supervise postgraduate students, and engage in engaged scholarship, advocacy and impact litigation activities within the Master of Human Rights program.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in poverty, rights and democracy or closely related field.
• Substantial, accredited publications in the chair's focus area.
• Experience presenting at scholarly conferences/workshops/seminars/colloquia.
• Teaching experience at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
• Experience supervising Masters/doctoral students to graduation.
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary research involvement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and publish in the chair's focus area.
• Initiate multidisciplinary research projects and fundraising activities.
• Teach in postgraduate diplomas and short learning programmes.
• Teach in FSCHR's Master of Human Rights program.
• Supervise Masters/doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows.
• Engage in scholarship activities, advocacy and impact work.

Skills

Results oriented

Strategic thinking

Business acumen

Leading

Building coalitions

Education

PhD / DPhil

Publications track record

Postgraduate supervision

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Senior Lecturer/Researcher (1 x position) (Contract appointment: 5 years) Job ID: 6647 - (2326)

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State -> Faculty of Law -> FS Centre for Human Rights

Contract Type

Contract

Occupational Level

Junior Management

Closing Date

3/11/2026

Duties and responsibilities

• Conduct research and produce accredited publications in the Research Chair's focus area of poverty, rights and democracy.
• Conceptualise and initiate collaborative and inter-, trans- or multidisciplinary research projects related to the Research Chair's focus area.
• Initiate and participate in fundraising for the Research Chair.
• Initiate, coordinate and teach in postgraduate diplomas and short learning programmes within the Research Chair’s area of focus.
• Teach in the FSCHR's Master of Human Rights.
• Supervise postgraduate students at Masters and doctoral level, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Participate in the Research Chair’s engaged scholarship activities, including advocacy and impact litigation.

Inherent requirements - Senior Lecturer / Researcher

• A doctoral degree (LLD, PhD/DPhil) at NQF Level 10 obtained based on a thesis in the Chair's focus area of poverty, rights and democracy or a closely related field.
• A substantial body of accredited publications (at least 6) in the Chair's focus area of poverty, rights and democracy or a related field.
• Substantial experience in presenting papers at scholarly conferences/workshops/seminars/colloquia.
• At least six months' experience of teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
• Experience of postgraduate supervision at both Masters and doctoral level, with at least one Masters or doctoral student supervised to graduation.
• Demonstrable experience in participating in collaborative, trans-, inter- and/or multidisciplinary research projects.

Recommendations

• Postdoctoral experience working in research at a university.
• A demonstrable interest in and focus on legal theory, in addition to doctrinal or empirical work in the focus area of the Chair.
• Experience in applying for research funding.
• Experience of navigating university financial and administrative systems.
• Experience in arranging academics events such as conferences, workshops, seminars, colloquia or public lectures.
• Membership of an international and local scholarly community.

Required competencies

• Results Orientated:
  • The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
  • The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking:
  • The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
  • 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.
• Leading:
  • The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
  • The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
  • The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
  • The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties

01 January 2027 or As soon as possible

Salary

The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits

• pension scheme
• medical aid scheme
• group life insurance
• housing allowance
• leave and sick leave
• service bonus
• study benefits

General

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Inspiring excellence, transforming lives through quality, impact, and care.