The University of the Free State (UFS) is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in South Africa. It opened its doors in 1904 on the Bloemfontein Campus with a mere six students in the Humanities. Since then, our institution has grown to more than 34 127 students, spread across seven faculties over three campuses. https://www.ufs.ac.za/about-the-...
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Research Theme Leader: Planetary Health and Well-Being (Associate Professor or Professor)
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).
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