Act now if you have finished a PhD in Law, Humanities or Social Sciences – the University of the Free State Postdoctoral Research Fellowship closes on 10 September 2026 and will start in October 2026. This is a chance to launch an independent research career while earning a solid stipend.
What the opportunity is
The University of the Free State (UFS) is offering a one‑year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship under its Flourishing Life Research Theme. The post can be renewed for a second and third year if you meet the progress requirements. The fellowship is a contract position based at the Bloemfontein Campus.
- Annual award: R300 000 (not taxed)
- Duration: 1 year, renewable up to 3 years
- Start date: October 2026 (or as soon thereafter as possible)
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
Research focus
The theme looks at “flourishing” in society, institutions, the environment and technology. Your proposal should fit one or more of the seven strands below.
- Socio‑economic rights and the jurisprudence of becoming
- Democratic resilience and the politics of hope
- Feminism and the body politic
- Ubuntu and global becoming
- Planetary becoming and ecological flourishing
- Flourishing in a technological age
- Language, translation and the aesthetics of becoming
Special attention will be given to how your work addresses the concept of “flourishing denied”.
Who can apply
- South African citizens or foreign nationals (visa requirements apply)
- Doctorate in Law, Humanities or Social Sciences awarded within the last five years, or will be awarded before the start date
- No previous permanent academic appointment (in line with post‑doctoral norms)
- Willing to relocate to Bloemfontein and spend at least 60 % of the time on‑site
- Cannot hold a full‑time salaried job while on the fellowship
What you gain
- Competitive stipend of R300 000 per year – not subject to tax
- Opportunity to run an independent research programme
- Access to UFS’s research facilities and interdisciplinary community
- Expectations to publish at least two DHET‑accredited journal articles or book chapters each year
- Experience in supervising and mentoring postgraduate students
- Networking through seminars, symposia and public‑facing writing
How to apply – step by step
- Write a motivation letter and a 3‑5 page research proposal that links your project to the Flourishing Life Theme.
- Prepare a full CV, list of publications, conference papers and other scholarly outputs.
- Gather certified copies of all academic transcripts, your PhD certificate, and, if you studied abroad, a SAQA certificate.
- Include a certified copy of your South African ID (or passport for international applicants) and contact details of two academic referees.
- Combine every document into a single PDF file.
- Email the PDF to Flourishing@ufs.ac.za using the subject line: FLRN Postdoctoral Fellowship — [YourSurname] (replace [YourSurname] with your family name).
- Make sure you send the application before 23:59 on 10 September 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Tips to improve your chances
- Highlight any previous research on “flourishing”, Ubuntu or related themes.
- Show a clear, feasible work plan for the first year and how you will meet the two‑publication target.
- Secure strong reference letters from supervisors who know your research abilities.
- Proofread every document; simple errors can cost you points.
- Demonstrate how you will contribute to the UFS community (seminars, student mentoring, public outreach).
- If you are an international candidate, verify your visa status early to avoid delays.
Conclusion and next steps
This fellowship can jump‑start your academic career while allowing you to explore meaningful questions about society and the environment. Gather your documents, craft a concise proposal, and send your application before the 10 September deadline. If you have any questions, email Flourishing@ufs.ac.za and use the exact subject line shown above.
