Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Religion Studies
The University of the Free State (UFS) is looking for an early‑career scholar to join the Department of Religion Studies in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. This post‑doctoral research fellowship gives you a year of work with the possibility to stay for up to three years, depending on your progress and on how the funding goes. If you love studying African spirituality or how religion connects with the environment, this could be a good fit for you.
Job details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Department: Religion Studies
- Faculty: Theology and Religion
- Job ID: 6319
- Contract: 1 year, can be renewed for up to 3 years
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State, South Africa
- Closing date: 30 January 2026
- Start date: 1 March 2026 (or soon after that)
What the fellowship is about
This award is given to the most promising candidates. The decision is based on your academic record, the papers you have already published, the research ideas you bring, and how well your work matches what the department is doing right now. If you want a career in academia, this is a chance to build a solid research record.
Main research areas
- African spirituality
- Religion and ecology
Your main tasks
- Carry out fresh, independent research in one or both of the topics above.
- Publish at least three DHET‑approved pieces each year – these can be journal articles or book chapters.
- Start new research projects and look for money from outside the university to support them.
- Write yearly progress reports so your contract can be renewed.
- Be a registered postdoctoral fellow at UFS and live on or near the campus for at least 80 % of the time.
- Take part in events run by the School of Postgraduate Studies, the Directorate of Research, and the Department of Religion Studies.
Who can apply?
- Open to South African and international scholars.
- Must have earned a PhD in Religion Studies within the last five years.
- You should not be working full‑time for another employer while on the fellowship.
- You need to be ready to move to UFS for the period you are offered.
- This is a residential position – you should spend most of your time at the university.
What you’ll receive
- Annual stipend: R270,000
- Extra fund for research: R30,000 each year
How to apply
Send your application by email no later than 30 January 2026. Include:
- A motivation letter (1–2 pages) that shows your expertise and past work.
- Full CV with a list of your publications, conference talks, and other academic outputs.
- Complete academic transcripts and a copy of your PhD certificate.
- A certified copy of your ID (or passport if you’re from abroad).
- Contact details for two academic referees.
Send everything to:
Prof. Zoro Dube – dubez@ufs.ac.za
Other important info
UFS is a designated employer that values diversity and tries to hire people from under‑represented groups, including those with disabilities. All personal data will be handled following the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The university may decide not to fill the post. If you’re not contacted within six weeks after the deadline, you can consider your application not successful.
Ready to apply?
If you think you fit the description, visit the official vacancy page and click “Apply here” to get started.
Apply here: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/2007
Meta description: UFS offers a 1‑year renewable postdoctoral fellowship in Religion Studies, open to South African and international scholars. Apply by 30 January 2026.
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