Ready to start a research career now? The University of the Free State is offering a Flourishing Life Postdoctoral Research Fellowship that begins in October 2026 and closes for applications on 10 September 2026.
What the fellowship is
This is a one‑year, contract‑based research position worth R300 000 per year (tax‑free). It can be renewed for a second and third year if you show satisfactory progress. You will work in the Flourishing Life Research Theme at the Bloemfontein Campus, Free State.
Who can apply
- Doctoral graduates in Law, Humanities or Social Sciences.
- PhDs awarded within the last five years, or that will be awarded before you start.
- South African citizens or foreign nationals (visa requirements apply).
- Applicants who have never held a permanent academic appointment.
- People who can relocate to Bloemfontein and spend at least 60 % of the fellowship on campus.
You must not be in full‑time paid employment while you hold the fellowship.
What you gain
- Annual stipend of R300 000, not subject to tax.
- Opportunity to run an independent research programme for up to three years.
- Access to interdisciplinary seminars, symposia and public‑facing writing.
- Experience supervising and mentoring postgraduate students.
- Expectation to publish at least two DHET‑accredited journal articles or book chapters each year.
How to apply
- Write a motivation letter and a 3–5 page research proposal that links your project to one or more of the seven research strands (e.g., socioeconomic rights, democratic resilience, feminism, Ubuntu, planetary flourishing, technology, language and translation).
- Gather your CV, list of publications, conference papers, other scholarly outputs, a writing sample, certified copies of all transcripts, your doctoral degree certificate, SAQA certificate (if studied abroad), and a copy of your ID or passport.
- Ask two academic referees to provide contact details.
- Combine every document into a single PDF file.
- Email the PDF to Flourishing@ufs.ac.za with the subject line: FLRN Postdoctoral Fellowship — [YourSurname] (replace [YourSurname] with your own surname).
Tips to strengthen your application
- Show clearly how your research addresses the theme of “flourishing denied.”
- Highlight any interdisciplinary work or collaborations you have already done.
- Include recent, peer‑reviewed publications that match the fellowship’s focus.
- Make sure all certificates are certified copies and legible.
- Proofread your PDF for spelling and formatting errors before sending.
Next steps
Prepare your documents now and submit before 10 September 2026. The selection panel will review applications and contact only shortlisted candidates, usually within six weeks of the closing date. Even if you are not selected, the process will give you a clear benchmark for future applications.
