Job Description

The Directorate for Institutional Research and Academic Planning (DIRAP) at the University of the Free State invites applications for a three-year, full-time postdoctoral fellowship, renewable annually based on satisfactory progress.
This opportunity is intended for an exceptional early-career researcher to join a dynamic team engaged in strategic institutional research. The fellowship will support key projects such as the Institutional Culture Project, Student Enrolment and Efficiency Planning (SEEP), and research related to Academic Planning and Quality Management.Ideal candidates will hold a PhD (awarded within the last five years) in higher education studies or a related discipline, such as educational management, political science, public management, sociology, or social psychology. Proficiency in econometrics and statistical analysis is highly advantageous, along with strong qualitative and quantitative research skills.Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct institutional research.
• Publish a minimum of three peer-reviewed articles annually.
• Actively contribute to both the DIRAP research team and the broader Higher Education and Human Development research group.

Eligibility requirements:

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Graduated with a relevant PhD degree (awarded within the last 5 years)
• Successful candidates must remember that the fellowship will terminate once your PhD degree reaches the fifth (5th) year of graduation.
• Have vital qualitative and quantitative analysis skills.
• 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 (except during fieldwork).

Value of the fellowship:

• R 270,000 annual fellowship.
• R 30,000 additional research expenses fund.

CompetenciesApplication:
To apply, please email the following documentation to: Dr. Loquitur Maka, Email:
Subject line: DIRAP Postdoctoral Fellowship full-time.Required Documents

• Motivational letter detailing postdoctoral research agenda including a 1-2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications.
• Full transcripts of academic record and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic references (Including one from PhD supervisor).

Closing date:
31 May 2025.Commencement of fellowship:
01 July 2025.For enquiries, please contact:
Dr. Loquitur Maka: Email:General:
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).pdfThe 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 University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. 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.

University of the Free State