Job Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications can be submitted via email to LothC@ufs.ac.za

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies.

The position entails executing field work and data processing in an existing project on South African Sign Language (SASL) place names. The fellowship will enable an outstanding Deaf doctoral graduate to obtain experience in research and innovation at a higher education institution as part of a dynamic research team.

The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account the applicant's academic achievements, publication outputs and research potential, as well as the relevance of prior experience and expertise. The fellowship is available for a period of one year, renewable for up to three years subject to satisfactory performance.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Function as fieldwork researcher for an established project on SASL place names: orchestrate the methodology and logistics of community engagements and data collection in the field.
• Assist with data processing.
• Author/co-author at least three (3) research outputs per year in the form of DHET-accredited scholarly journal articles, books or chapters in books. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
• Participate in the Department's postgraduate programme if necessary.
• Register and reside as postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the Centre for Graduate Support and the Directorate of Research.

Eligibility criteria

• Open to Deaf South African nationals for full-time research at the UFS.

Minimum Requirements:

• Graduated with a PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• A Deaf South African who is fluent in South African Sign Language.
• Experience in conducting field work and engaging with Deaf communities.
• Driver's licence recommended.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of their postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Comprehensive applications are invited, comprising of:

• Motivation letter, including a 1-2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly outputs.
• Full transcripts of academic records and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of ID document.
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.

Value of the fellowship:

• R 240,000 annual fellowship.
• R30,000 additional research expenses fund.

Application:

• Applications to be submitted by email to
• Late applications will not be considered.
• A face-face or virtual interview will take place.
• Successful individuals will be contacted within two to four weeks after the interviews.

Closing date:
30 November 2023

Commencement of fellowship:
1 February 2023

For enquiries, please contact:
Email: Dr Chrismi Loth at LothC@ufs.ac.za.

General:
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The University subscribes to and applies the principles prescribed by the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned Act and the employee profile of the specific department/division.

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities.

Our Employment Equity Policy is available at : EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Competencies

Additional Information

University of the Free State