North-West University Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Entrepreneurship – a chance to shape the future of business in South Africa, and to earn a tax‑free stipend while working on cutting‑edge research. The deadline is 30 April 2026, so act quickly if you want to secure this role in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng.
What the Position Is All About
The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at NWU’s Vanderbijlpark campus is looking for a Post‑Doctoral Research Fellow for a two‑year fixed‑term contract within the bhive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC). Your work will advance research on entrepreneurship and feed into teaching and practical projects that help local businesses grow.
Who Should Apply?
- PhD holders (earned within the last 5 years) in Business Management or Entrepreneurship.
- A solid record of publishing in DHET‑accredited journals.
- Strong quantitative research skills and fluency in English.
- Experience working in a team and a willingness to mentor postgraduate students.
What You’ll Gain
- Stipend: R320 000 per year, tax‑free.
- Dedicated office space with full amenities.
- Mentorship from experienced researchers.
- Chance to extend the fellowship if your performance is satisfactory.
- Hands‑on experience publishing, presenting, and collaborating with industry.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
- Write a motivation letter that highlights your experience, expertise, and what you hope to contribute.
- Prepare a two‑year research plan focused on entrepreneurial education, mindset, identity, or ecosystems.
- Update your CV to no more than five pages.
- Gather a copy of your ID or passport.
- List all published works with journal names and impact factors.
- Provide contact details for two referees who can speak to your research abilities.
- Submit a certified copy of your PhD diploma.
- Upload an electronic copy of your PhD thesis.
Send all documents to Bernise.Mahlophe@nwu.ac.za. For the official vacancy, click here.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Application
- Many applicants struggle with formatting their research plan; keep it clear, concise, and tied to the EDC’s focus areas.
- From experience, most successful candidates include a brief summary of past project outcomes and their relevance to the role.
- If this is your first time applying for a post‑doctoral role, don’t worry – make sure your CV is up to date and that you highlight any teaching or mentorship experience.
- Double‑check that your publications are indexed in recognised, high‑impact journals to avoid delays in review.
- Ask your referees to send their recommendations early; a timely reference can make the difference.
Final Thoughts
This fellowship is a rare chance to deepen your research expertise while contributing to South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The contract is full‑time for two years, and renewal depends on performance, so bring your best work to the table. Remember, NWU does not cover accommodation, travel, or personal expenses, so budget accordingly.
If you meet the criteria and want to make a real impact on the business community, submit your application before 30 April 2026. Good luck!
