Job Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications should be submitted via email to

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from qualified candidates for a research assistant position 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 position will enable a Deaf postgraduate student to obtain experience in research and innovation at a higher education institution as part of a dynamic research team. The tasks are detailed below:

Duties and responsibilities:

• Serve as a cultural bridge between the South African Deaf community and the research team.
• Assist in conducting fieldwork for the project on SASL place names; including the research design, community engagement, and data collection in the field.
• Assist with data processing: identify signs, gloss and translate interviews, annotate with ELan (training provided), verify glosses and translations.

Eligibility criteria

• Open to Deaf South African postgraduate students at the University of the Free State.

Minimum Requirements:

• Enrolled as a postgraduate student at the University of the Free State.
• A Deaf South African who is fluent in South African Sign Language.
• Passionate about South African Deaf culture.
• Willing to be trained in research skills.

Competencies

Comprehensive applications are invited, comprising of:

• Motivation letter, one page, explaining why the candidate is interested in the position and what they can contribute to the project.
• Full CV including education and any community engagement activities.
• Full transcripts of academic records.
• Copy of ID document.

Salary:

• The salary is available on request.

Application:

• Applications to be submitted by email to LothC@ufs.ac.za.
• 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 position:

01 February 2024

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:

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.

University of the Free State