Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability at University of Limpopo

Type:

• Postdoctoral research fellowship linked to the research niche area of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Sustainability. The fellowship is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Introduction:

• The University of Limpopo (UL) invites applications for one (01) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position, hosted in the Faculty of Management and Law.
• The Fellowship aims to strengthen the University's research and intellectual environment while providing structured postdoctoral training for recent doctoral graduates, supporting the development of advanced research skills, publication output, community-engaged scholarship, and preparation for academic careers.
• This fellowship is linked to SDG 9 whose focus is on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. SDG 9 seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation.
• Entrepreneurship is central to achieving this goal because entrepreneurs create new businesses, introduce innovative products and services, commercialise research, and stimulate technological advancement. Innovative entrepreneurs improve productivity, create employment opportunities, and contribute to economic diversification.
• Governments and institutions support SDG 9 by investing in research and development, strengthening innovation ecosystems, improving access to finance, and expanding digital and physical infrastructure.

Requirements:

• A PhD degree (NQF Level 10) in Business Administration, Finance or Economics or a related field, completed within the last five (5) years.
• Evidence of research productivity including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Practical experience in entrepreneurship and owning an existing business will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated interest in business administration, entrepreneurship, innovation and business sustainability including practica.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, good computer and data management skills, and the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality, interdisciplinary research linked to entrepreneurship, business innovation and sustainability.
• Publish in DHET-accredited journals and peer-reviewed books.
• Contribute to community engagement projects linked to the fellowship and interact with business owners in different settings like conferences, expos, etc.
• Participate in empirical fieldwork research in different settings which involves business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Assist with postgraduate supervision and mentorship.
• Support grant proposal development and national and international collaborations.
• Contribute to policy briefs and knowledge translation outputs related to business administration and entrepreneurship.
• Participate in seminars and activities that promote a strong research culture.
• Comply with research ethics, governance, and data management requirements.
• Represent the university at academic forums, conferences and expos, where appropriate.

Expected outputs:

During the fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to produce:

• At least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship.
• Several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• At least one competitive external research grant application.
• Research reports for stakeholders.
• Contributions to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development.
• Collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team.
• Participation in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University.