Job Description

Background and Context
As part of its Vision 130 strategy to position itself as a research-led, globally engaged university, the University of the Free State (UFS) is establishing four flagship Research Themes that define the areas in which the institution will demonstrate national leadership and global impact.
The Research Theme Leader is the leader of a Group: Planetary Health and Well-being, reflecting UFS's commitment to advancing integrative, transdisciplinary research that links human, animal, and environmental health within the broader framework of the One Health and Planetary Health paradigms. The Research Theme Leader will provide strategic directions to mobilise expertise across the faculties of Health Sciences, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Humanities, ensuring that UFS becomes a recognised continental leader in health resilience, sustainability, and ecosystem well-being.
Key Responsibilities:

• Provide Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a forward-looking research vision and roadmap that establishes UFS as a leading centre of excellence in planetary and One Health research. Position the theme within global networks such as the Planetary Health Alliance, BRICS Health Cooperation Framework, and relevant African Union and WHO initiatives.
• Drive Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Research Excellence: Lead high-impact, cross-faculty research programmes addressing critical intersections between environment, health, and sustainability. Promote data-driven, evidence-based approaches to planetary health challenges, including climate change, food systems, zoonoses, and ecosystem degradation.
• Advance Innovation and Societal Impact: Translate research into solutions that improve health outcomes, policy frameworks, and community resilience. Foster collaboration with government, industry, NGOs, and international organisations to influence health policy and environmental governance.
• Secure Research Funding and Partnerships: Lead and coordinate competitive funding proposals to local and international agencies (NRF, DSI, NIH, WHO, EU Horizon, philanthropic foundations, etc.). Develop multi-stakeholder partnerships and manage sustainable funding portfolios to support long-term programme growth.
• Capacity Development and Mentorship: Supervise postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows in planetary health and related domains. Build research capacity by mentoring emerging scholars, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and interdisciplinary excellence.
• Institutional Integration: Collaborate with other Research Theme Leaders and the Directorate Research Development (DRD) to ensure institutional coherence and strategic alignment. Represent UFS nationally and internationally in planetary health forums and policy dialogues.

Minimum Requirements:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., Environmental Health, Public Health, Epidemiology, Sustainability Science, Veterinary or Agricultural Science, Environmental Humanities, or related interdisciplinary fields).
• Appointable at Associate or Full Professor level, based on the applicable UFS criteria for such appointments.
• Proven leadership experience in managing interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research programmes or networks.
• A strong publication record in planetary or One Health, environmental health, or sustainability science.
• Demonstrated success in securing competitive external research funding.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement across government, academia, civil society, and private sectors.
• Excellent strategic planning, communication, and partnership-building skills.

Preferred / Advantageous Criteria:

• NRF-rated researcher or equivalent international recognition.
• Experience in international research consortia or global health collaborations.
• Expertise in health systems strengthening, climate-resilient development, or environmental governance.
• Demonstrated capacity to link research to national and international policy frameworks (e.g., SDGs, AU Agenda 2063, WHO One Health Strategy).

Competencies
Required Core Competencies:

• Results Orientation: Drives excellence, accountability, and measurable research impact.
• Strategic Agility: Anticipates future challenges and integrates sustainability and resilience into research strategies.
• Business and Research Acumen: Understands research funding ecosystems, contract management, and impact measurement.
• Leadership and Influence: Inspires collaboration, motivates diverse teams, and promotes a shared vision.
• Networking and Coalition Building: Establishes productive partnerships across sectors and geographies.
• Innovation and Adaptability: Encourages creative, systems-based solutions to emerging health and environmental challenges.

Assumption of Duties
1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Remuneration
A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority and strategic importance of the position.
Fringe Benefits
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid, group life insurance, housing allowance, annual leave, service bonus, and study benefits.
Enquiries
For enquiries, contact: Mrs. Marianne Vermaak - Tel: +27 51 401 9329 | Email: VermaakM@ufs.ac.za
For application assistance, Mrs. Puseletso Parkie - Tel: +27 51 401 9848 | Email: TeateaPR@ufs.ac.za
Interested candidates with queries (only enquiries) may also write to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Vasu Reddy, e-mail: ReddyV@ufs.ac.za (NO APPLICATIONS to be sent to him).
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the UFS vacancy website: or via email to VermaakM@ufs.ac.za or TeateaPR@ufs.ac.za.
Required documentation:

• A comprehensive CV and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (SAQA accreditation required for foreign qualifications).
• Identity document (ID/passport).
• Proof of professional registration (if applicable).

Additional Information
The UFS processes personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The University reserves the right not to fill the post. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in late January/early February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be required to make a presentation followed by an interview.
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 Plan is available at: f
Additional Information

Skills Required