Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: School of Economic Sciences at North West University

OUR RESEARCH VISION

• Advancing knowledge in International Trade through innovative, policy-relevant and interdisciplinary research that contributes to sustainable economic development, regional integration, global competitiveness and inclusive growth.

EXPECTED RESPONSIBILITIES
Successful fellows will be expected to:

• Conduct high-quality independent and collaborative research.
• Publish regularly in accredited, high-impact journals.
• Develop competitive research grant proposals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Co-supervise postgraduate students where appropriate.
• Participate actively in research seminars, workshops and international collaborations.
• Contribute to strengthening the university's international research profile.

Minimum requirements

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Applicants should possess:

• A PhD in International Economics, Economics, International Trade, Agricultural Economics, Business Economics, Development Economics, Finance, or a closely related discipline obtained within the last four years.
• Demonstrated research productivity through peer-reviewed journal publications, conference presentations, research reports, or other scholarly outputs.
• Strong quantitative methods research skills.
• Experience in advanced econometric and statistical techniques, including software such as Stata, R, EViews, Python, SPSS or similar analytical packages.
• Experience with advanced quantitative methods such as panel data econometrics, dynamic panel models, cointegration techniques, Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR), spatial econometrics, machine learning applications, or related analytical approaches will be an added advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

FELLOWSHIP DETAILS

• Duration: Two (2) -Three (3) years (with possible extension subject to satisfactory performance, research outputs and availability of external funding).
• Commencement Date: 1 September 2026 (or a mutually agreed date).
• Stipend: R320 000 per annum (tax free).

THEMATIC RESEARCH AREAS
Fellowships are linked to ongoing and emerging research projects in one or more of the following areas:

• International Trade and Economic Development
• African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
• Agricultural Trade and Food Security
• Export Competitiveness and Export Diversification
• Global Value Chains and Supply Chain Resilience
• Digital Trade, Artificial Intelligence and International Business
• Climate Change, Green Trade and Sustainable Development
• Trade, Institutions and Governance
• Geopolitical Risk and International Trade
• Researchers with interests in interdisciplinary approaches combining international trade with environmental economics, development economics, industrial economics, finance, data science, and public policy are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply: 15 August 2026.