Ready to start a research career that tackles real problems in South Africa? University of the Free State is offering three post‑doctoral fellowships that begin in 2026, and the deadlines are fast approaching.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Economics and Finance
What the role is
This is a two‑year fellowship attached to the Restoring Biodiversity and Connection to Nature in the Southern African Mountains Research Chair. The work will look at how better rangeland management and livestock value‑chain changes affect incomes, livelihoods and climate‑resilient agriculture around the Witsieshoek Indigenous and Communal Protected Areas in Phuthaditjhaba.
Who can apply
- PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Development Studies or a related field (completed within the last five years).
- Strong background in applied micro‑economics or development economics.
- Experience with Stata, R or Python and/or mixed‑methods research.
- Published or under‑review peer‑reviewed articles.
- Ability to work in rural or communal field settings.
Additional experience in rangeland management, livestock systems, natural‑resource governance, climate adaptation, or advanced econometric techniques (DiD, PSM, IV, panel data) is an advantage.
What you gain
- R250 000 per year + R30 000 research allowance.
- Opportunity to publish journal articles, policy briefs and stakeholder reports.
- Hands‑on supervision of postgraduate students.
- Experience in fieldwork, grant writing and stakeholder engagement.
How to apply
- Prepare a motivation letter (1–2 pages) outlining your expertise and how you will contribute to the project.
- Gather your full CV, list of publications, certified academic transcripts and PhD certificate.
- If your degree was earned outside South Africa, obtain a SAQA certificate.
- Attach a certified copy of your South African ID or passport (for foreign applicants).
- Provide contact details for two academic referees.
- Email everything to mudzingiric@ufs.ac.za before 30 October 2026.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Highlight any previous work with communal livestock systems or rangeland projects.
- Include concrete examples of econometric methods you have used.
- Show how your research can influence policy or improve livelihoods.
- Proofread all documents; incomplete files will be rejected.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Public Health
What the role is
The fellowship is placed in the Division of Public Health. It supports research in public health, mental health, digital health, environmental health and planetary health. The position is for two years, renewable for a third year, with a stipend of R270 000 per year plus a R30 000 research fund.
Who can apply
- South African or foreign nationals with a PhD in a relevant discipline completed within the last five years.
- Not employed full‑time during the fellowship.
- Willing to spend at least 80 % of the time at the UFS Bloemfontein campus.
What you gain
- R270 000 annual stipend and research funding.
- Access to UFS laboratory and digital health resources.
- Chance to produce at least three DHET‑accredited outputs each year.
- Opportunity to start independent research projects and apply for external grants.
How to apply
- Write a motivation letter that connects your skills to the research areas listed.
- Attach your full CV, publication list and academic transcripts.
- Include your doctoral degree certificate (with SAQA verification if earned abroad).
- Provide a copy of your South African ID or passport.
- List two academic referees with contact details.
- Email the complete file to publichealth@ufs.ac.za by 19 October 2026.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Show any previous work in digital or planetary health – these are high‑priority topics.
- Emphasise experience with community‑based health research.
- Outline a clear plan for generating DHET‑accredited outputs.
- Check that all certificates are certified and up to date.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Disaster Management and Climate Change
What the role is
This fellowship is based at the Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC). It starts with a one‑year contract, renewable up to three years based on performance. The annual stipend is R270 000 plus a R30 000 research allowance. The work supports a Northern Cape provincial project that merges climate‑change response with disaster‑management planning.
Who can apply
- South African or foreign nationals with a PhD awarded within the last five years.
- PhD in Disaster Management, Environmental Science, Agricultural & Environmental Economics, Climate Change, Sustainability Science, Development Studies, Geography, Environmental Management or a related interdisciplinary field.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and use quantitative/qualitative methods.
- Not holding a full‑time salaried job and willing to relocate to UFS.
- Commit to spending at least 80 % of the fellowship period at the university.
What you gain
- R270 000 annual stipend and research expenses.
- Experience working on a government‑backed climate‑disaster project.
- Opportunity to produce at least two DHET‑accredited journal articles each year.
- Development of policy briefs, technical reports and grant proposals.
- Networking with provincial authorities and international scholars.
How to apply
- Draft a motivation letter (1–2 pages) that explains your expertise and proposed contribution to the project.
- Gather your full CV, list of publications, certified transcripts and PhD certificate.
- Include a SAQA certificate if your doctorate was earned outside South Africa.
- Attach a certified copy of your South African ID or passport.
- Provide contact details for two academic referees.
- Email the complete application to RaphelaTD@ufs.ac.za before 23 October 2026.
Tips to strengthen your choice
- Highlight any previous work on climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction or environmental sustainability.
- Show familiarity with interdisciplinary methods and policy‑relevant research.
- Provide clear examples of past data management or technical reporting.
- Ensure all documents are certified; incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Final thoughts
These fellowships give you a chance to build a research profile, influence policy and earn a solid stipend while working in South Africa’s Free State province. Check the closing dates carefully, follow the document checklist, and submit a complete, well‑proofread application. Good luck, and take the next step toward a rewarding post‑doctoral career.
