Post‑Doctoral Fellowship in Law – North‑West University
If you love science, space, and the internet and want to turn that passion into research, this job might be for you. The Faculty of Law at North‑West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom is looking for a post‑doctoral fellow. You will work on legal questions about space, cyberspace and new technologies under the guidance of Professor W. Erlank. The fellowship starts on 1 February 2026, but you must finish your application by 31 December 2025.
What the fellowship is about
This is a one‑year, full‑time position that can be renewed if you do a good job. The university pays R249 600 a year (this is before tax), and you will also get a salary that follows NWU’s normal rules.
During the year you will do high‑impact research. The main goal is to explore how law meets technology, especially in these hot topics:
- Laws about the outer space and spacecraft
- Rules for the internet, cybersecurity, and information technology
- Legal issues in virtual worlds like the metaverse
- Rights and ownership of digital assets (cryptocurrencies, NFTs, etc.)
- Laws that cover artificial intelligence
- Property law for new tech (think about data, drones, and robots)
You can choose one or more of these areas for your research, but your ideas must fit at least one of them.
Who can apply
You need a PhD (or LLD) in Space Law, Cyber Law, IT Law, or a closely related field. You also must have published at least two academic works such as peer‑reviewed journal papers, book chapters or conference papers. The university is especially interested in people who already have a strong record in any of the niche areas above.
Because NWU follows South Africa’s Employment Equity Act, people from certain groups (those that have historically been under‑represented) will get a preference if they apply.
How to apply
All applications must go online only, through NWU’s official vacancy portal. Sending a CV by email or any other method will not be accepted. The application must include:
- A detailed CV
- Two reference letters
- A certified copy of your PhD or LLD certificate
- A copy of your PhD thesis
- Copies of your published works or links to them
- A short, 2‑page research proposal that explains what you want to study during the fellowship
If your submission is missing anything, it will not be considered. Only people who are shortlisted will be contacted. If you haven’t heard from the university two months after the closing date, your application is not successful.
How to submit your application
Click this link to apply for the NWU Post‑Doctoral Fellowship in Law: Apply for the NWU Post‑Doctoral Fellowship in Law (https://nwu.ci.hr/applicant/index.php?controller=Listings&method=view&listingid=3f3492e6-91d1-467c-9afc-11e607fe3356).
You can also contact Professor W. Erlank directly if you have questions about the role:
- Email: Wian.Erlank@nwu.ac.za
- Phone: +27 18 299 1932
What the job will feel like
You’ll join a team that works on some of the most futuristic legal issues. You’ll write papers, present at conferences, and maybe even collaborate with scientists and engineers to help shape policy for things like satellite launches or online data protection. You will be part of a university that supports transformation and innovation, so you’ll also be helping to create a more inclusive future for science and law.
Key dates to remember
- Application deadline: 31 December 2025
- Job starts: 1 February 2026
- Review period: 2 months after the deadline (if you’re not contacted, your application is not selected)
Final thoughts
If you’re a bright, early‑career researcher who wants to work on legal questions that touch the edges of space and digital worlds, and you’re ready to put in a year of serious research, this fellowship could be your next step. The role offers a good salary, a clear research path, and the chance to work with a supportive faculty at NWU.
Take a look at the application link, put together all the required documents, and submit before the deadline. Good luck, and we hope to hear from you soon!