Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Governance, Leadership and Public Policy at University of Limpopo

Type:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the research niche area of Governance, Leadership and Public Policy. The fellowships 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 (1) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Governance, Leadership and Public Policy, hosted in the Department of Public Administration, School of Economics and Management.
• 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, interdisciplinary research, policy engagement, and preparation for academic careers.
• The Fellowship seeks to advance innovative research in governance, leadership and public policy, with particular emphasis on public administration, public management, institutional governance, policy development, implementation and evaluation, and evidence-informed public sector transformation.
• The successful candidate will contribute to research that addresses contemporary governance challenges and supports sustainable public sector development.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Doctoral Degree (NQF Level 10) in Public Administration and Management, Public Affairs, Governance, or a closely related field, completed within the last five (5) years.
• Evidence of research productivity including peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated interest in governance, public administration, public policy and public management.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, good computer and data management skills, and the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will:

• Conduct high-quality research in governance, leadership and public policy.
• Publish in DHET-accredited journals and other peer-reviewed scholarly outlets.
• Participate in collaborative research projects within the Department of Public

Administration.

• Contribute to research that informs governance, public policy and public sector management.
• Assist with postgraduate supervision and mentorship, where appropriate.
• Support research grant proposal development and national and international research collaborations.
• Prepare policy briefs and other knowledge translation outputs.
• Participate in seminars, conferences and scholarly activities that promote a vibrant research culture.
• Comply with research ethics, governance and data management requirements.
• Represent the Department of Public Administration and the School of
• Economics and Management at academic forums and conferences, 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.

Application documents

Applicants should submit complete applications consisting of:

• A motivation letter outlining your suitability for the fellowship and proposed research agenda.
• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of South African identity document or passport.
• Certified copies of all academic qualifications (including doctoral degree certificate(s) and academic transcripts
• Copies of selected recent peer-reviewed publications
• Names and contact details of three contactable academic referees