Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research in wildlife science, wildlife management and conservation biology.
• Contribute to research on wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, sustainable rangeland management, conservation planning and large herbivore ecology.
• Utilise modern technologies including GPS telemetry, GIS, remote sensing, drones and artificial intelligence within wildlife research programmes.
• Publish a minimum of two peer-reviewed scientific papers per year.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Assist with undergraduate teaching and practical training in Wildlife Science and Wildlife Management.
• Assist with the supervision and mentoring of Honours, MSc and PhD students.
• Contribute to curriculum enhancement and module development.
• Assist with grant applications and research project development.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Free State and participate in relevant activities of the Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Studies.

Competencies
Eligibility criteria

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Hold a PhD degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Rangeland Science, Animal Science or a closely related discipline.
• Have obtained their doctoral degree within the last five years.
• Demonstrate a publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Have experience in wildlife research and field-based ecological studies
• Demonstrate experience in undergraduate teaching and practical training.
• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to curriculum development and postgraduate supervision.
• Possess excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Hold a valid driver's licence (attach a copy).
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship period. 
• Successful applicants must be willing to relocate to Bloemfontein and participate fully in departmental research, teaching and postgraduate activities.

Closing date: 
21 August 2026