If you hold a PhD and are looking for a funded research position in South Africa, the University of Fort Hare is offering five 24‑month postdoctoral fellowships that start in 2026. The deadline is fast approaching – you must apply by 03 September 2026.
What the opportunity is
The university’s Department of Postgraduate Studies and Postdoctoral Fellowships has opened five full‑time Postdoctoral Research Fellowships for the 2026‑2028 period. The posts are based on the UFH campuses in the Eastern Cape and cover the following fields:
- Psychology, Social Work & Criminology – Ref EC000812
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences – Ref EC000813
- Agronomy – Ref EC000814
- Public & Constitutional Law – Ref EC000815
- Chemical & Earth Sciences – Ref EC000816
All fellowships last 24 months. The Law and the Chemical & Earth Sciences posts each pay a stipend of R300 000 per year (the latter in quarterly instalments). The other three posts do not state a specific amount.
Who can apply
You must have a doctoral degree (PhD, DPhil, LLD, SJD or equivalent). The degree should have been awarded within the last five years, or you must provide an official letter confirming that all requirements have been met if you are awaiting graduation.
Additional field‑specific requirements are listed below.
What you will gain
You will work on cutting‑edge research projects, publish in DHET‑accredited journals, and present at local or international conferences. Successful fellows also receive a competitive annual stipend (R300 000 for two of the posts) and the chance to develop specialised skills such as:
- Artificial‑intelligence tools for child protection
- eDNA metabarcoding and high‑throughput sequencing
- Sustainable biopesticide development
- Advanced legal research and policy analysis
- GIS, remote sensing and soil‑resource modelling
How to apply – step by step
- Read the full description of the fellowship that matches your expertise.
- Prepare the following documents:
- Motivation letter (1–2 pages, specific to the fellowship)
- Full CV with a list of publications
- Certified doctoral degree certificate and academic transcripts
- Certified copy of your ID or passport
- Contact details for two academic referees
- Write a clear email subject line exactly as shown in the “How to Apply” section for the chosen post.
- Attach all documents to an email addressed to MQelesile@ufh.ac.za and copy BSolani@ufh.ac.za and postdoc@ufh.ac.za.
- Click the official online application link for your fellowship and complete the web form (you still need to send the email).
- Wait for a confirmation. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Psychology, Social Work & Criminology (Ref EC000812)
Research programme: Digital Innovation in Child Protection. Supervisor: Prof Ulene Schiller. Location: UFH East London Campus. Duration: 24 months.
Research topics include AI for child protection, digital adoption, and workforce wellbeing. Eligible fields: Social Work, Psychology, Information Systems, Computer Science, AI, or related subjects.
Send the email with subject Digital Innovation in Child Protection and apply online at this link. For questions, email Prof Schiller at uschiller@ufh.ac.za.
Biotechnology & Biological Sciences (Ref EC000813)
Research area: eDNA metabarcoding, conservation genetics and molecular ecology. Location: Alice, Eastern Cape. Duration: 24 months.
You will work with DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing and high‑throughput methods. Ideal backgrounds: Zoology, Genetics or related fields. Experience with Oxford Nanopore and Linux is a plus.
Email with subject Molecular Ecology and apply online at this link. Project queries go to Prof Craig Tambling (ctambling@ufh.ac.za).
Agronomy (Ref EC000814)
Project: Developing Kleinia longiflora‑based biopesticides for climate‑smart crop protection. Duration: 24 months.
Applicants should hold a doctorate in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Production or Plant Protection and have at least three articles in DHET‑accredited journals. Proficiency in statistical packages such as GenStat, R, SAS, SPSS or Statistica is required.
Email with subject Crop Science and apply online at this link. Contact Assoc. Prof Kagiso Shadung (kshadung@ufh.ac.za) for more information.
Public & Constitutional Law (Ref EC000815)
Location: East London Campus. Duration: 24 months. Stipend: R300 000 per annum.
Eligible degrees: LLD, PhD or SJD in Public International Law, International Human Rights Law, International Child Rights, Law and Society, International Space Law or related areas. Candidates must show an excellent academic record and a track record of publishing in accredited journals.
Submit a two‑page research proposal, CV and supporting documents by email (subject Public and Constitutional Law) and apply online at this link. Enquiries: Dr N Ndlovu (nndhlovu@ufh.ac.za).
Chemical & Earth Sciences (Ref EC000816)
Research area: Community‑based soil resource management and rehabilitation in the Tyume catchment. Duration: 24 months. Stipend: R300 000 per year, paid quarterly.
Required doctorate fields: Geomorphology, Environmental Geomorphology, Environmental Science/Studies, GIS/Remote Sensing, Natural Resource Management or related subjects. You should be comfortable with SPSS, quantitative and qualitative analysis, field work, GIS and remote‑sensing tools.
Email with subject Geography and Environment and apply online at this link. Project contact: Dr HB Magagula (hmagagula@ufh.ac.za).
General Fellowship conditions
- Fellows must not be employed by UFH or any other organisation during the 24‑month period.
- International applicants may apply, but must meet South African visa requirements.
- Preference will be given to South African citizens, especially women and candidates from designated groups.
Research output expectations
Most posts require you to publish research worth at least two DHET‑accredited output units in the first year. Continuation to the second year depends on meeting the output criteria stated in each advert. Renewal is not guaranteed and follows the university’s Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Policy.
Application deadline
All applications close on 03 September 2026. Submit every required document before this date.
Tips to improve your chances
- Follow the exact email subject line for the fellowship you choose.
- Tailor your motivation letter to the specific research project and mention relevant skills.
- Highlight recent publications, especially those in DHET‑accredited journals.
- Provide referees who can speak to both your research ability and your potential to publish.
- If you are waiting for your PhD award, attach the official confirmation letter from your university.
Next steps
Review the five fellowship descriptions, pick the one that matches your expertise, gather the required documents and send your application before 03 September 2026. This is a solid step toward a research career and may open doors to future academic or industry roles.
