Vacancies Available at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Examine social uptake, perceptions, and behavioural responses to improved rangeland management practices. 
• Design and implement impact evaluation frameworks comparing livelihoods and income outcomes before and after rangeland management interventions.
• Design and implement impact evaluation frameworks comparing livelihoods and income outcomes before and after livestock market/value chain strategies.
• Analyse household and community-level socioeconomic data, including income, productivity, and welfare indicators, for smallholder livestock farmers in WCCA and surrounding areas.
• Contribute to original research. This will include analysing both qualitative interview/focus group data and quantitative survey data; helping lead deliberative stakeholder workshops; conducting literature reviews; and applying economic theories related to development economics, resource/environmental economics, poverty, and sustainable development. 
• Undertake fieldwork in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa, and surrounding areas.
• Apply appropriate econometric, quasi-experimental, and/or mixed-methods approaches.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed high-impact journal articles, policy briefs, and stakeholder reports. 
• The Fellow will be provided with undergraduate lecturing opportunities and will contribute to grant writing for experience.
• Support postgraduate supervision (Honours/Masters/PhD) where relevant.
• Engage with community stakeholders, policymakers, and implementing partners.
• Participate in project-related seminars, workshops, and dissemination activities.

Inherent requirements:

• A PhD in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Development Studies, or a closely related field (completed within the last five years).
• Strong grounding in applied microeconomics, development economics, or environmental/resource economics.
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative data analysis (e.g. Stata, R, Python) and/or mixed-methods research.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts under review.
• Ability to conduct field-based research in rural or communal settings.

Recommendations:

• Experience working on rangeland management, livestock systems, natural resource governance, or climate adaptation.
• Familiarity with impact evaluation methods (e.g. Difference-in-Differences, Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Instrumental Variable (IV), and  Panel Data estimations).
• Experience engaging with community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) initiatives.
• Knowledge of Southern African rural contexts.

Value of the fellowship:

• A competitive postdoctoral fellowship package will be offered in line with institutional and funder guidelines

Closing date:

• 30 October 2026 

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research in Public Health.
• Author/co-author of at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of DHET-accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. Renewal of the fellowship beyond the second year depends on satisfactory performance and submission of an annual progress report.
• Initiate projects and seek funding for them.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the Division of Public Health (negotiable).

Eligibility requirements:

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Graduated with a PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants are required to spend 80% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Value of the fellowship:

• R 270 000 annual fellowship. 
• R 30 000 additional research expenses fund. 

Closing date:

• 19 October 2026

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct interdisciplinary research and advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis relating to climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, resilience, environmental sustainability, and climate-related development challenges.
• Support the Northern Cape project through data management, literature synthesis, research coordination, and analysis of project data.
• Assist in preparing technical reports, policy briefs, stakeholder reports, and research dissemination materials.
• Participate in DiMTEC research seminars, postgraduate research activities, academic writing initiatives, and capacity-building activities.
• Contribute to research proposals, collaborative projects, funding/grant applications, and tender applications aligned with DiMTEC priorities.
• Develop collaborative research networks and contribute to DiMTEC's national and international research visibility.
• Produce at least two DHET-accredited peer-reviewed journal articles per annum, subject to satisfactory performance.
• Register and reside as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of the Free State and participate in relevant DiMTEC academic and research activities.

Competencies
Eligibility criteria

• Open to South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, awarded within the last five years.
• Relevant fields may include Disaster Management, Environmental Science, Agricultural and Environmental Economics, Climate Change, Sustainability Science, Agricultural Sciences, Development Studies, Geography, Environmental Management, or another closely related interdisciplinary field.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong potential for independent research and scholarly publication.
• Experience in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, data analysis, policy research, and interdisciplinary research will be advantageous.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship, and the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of the postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Value of the fellowship:

• R 270,000 annual fellowship.
• R 30,000 additional research expenses fund.

Application: 

•  23 October 2026

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide professional, friendly customer service via email, face-to-face, telephone and ensure that queries are dealt with.
• Respond to enquiries via Chatbot.
• Use the FAQ library, website information, and data sources to ensure consistent and accurate response.
• Escalate complaints or non-standard queries to the appropriate team leader. 
• Provide guidance to students throughout the registration process. 
• Provide students with the required forms to fulfil their requests. 
• Assist with the completion of relevant documents. 
• Communicate progress updates and feedback on requests to customers. 
• Obtain the required approval from the team leader before executing certain processing tasks. 
• Troubleshoot errors/complaints received from customers to advise on appropriate action to resolve their queries. 
• Assist with data capturing. 
• Enforce adherence to policies, procedures, guidelines, and decisions to guarantee compliance. 
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of forms and documents submitted for processing. 
• Quality-assure documents and responses received from the back-office staff within SAS to ensure the correctness thereof before signing off/providing feedback to the requester. 
• Ensure that all queries are fully resolved and that customers receive timely feedback or updates. 
• Maintain a turnaround time of no more than one business day when responding to customers. 

Inherent requirements:

• Grade 12 or national vocational certificate on NQF Level 4 (attach a copy).
• A minimum of six (6) months' experience in a customer service or contact centre environment.
• Applicants must not be registered students.

Recommendations:

• A post-school qualification (attach a copy).
• Minimum of two (2) years of administrative work experience. 

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision. 

Assumption of duties:

• 04 January 2027

Closing date:

• 12 October 2026

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education in general.
• Participate in the Work Integrated Learning programme of the faculty (Teaching Practice).
• Engage in research activities of the faculty and produce research outputs in accredited journals and other outlets.
• Contribute to curriculum development in the field of Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education specifically.
• Supervise and provide consultation sessions for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Work in a team with colleagues within the faculty.
• Contribute to leadership and administrative tasks related to the faculty.

Inherent requirements:

• A  Doctoral degree on NQF Level 10 in Education with a focus on Teacher Education (Pre-service  or In-service Teachers) or a related discipline (for a permanent appointment)

or

• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Education with a focus on Teacher Education (Pre-service or In-service Teachers)(contract appointment: five (5) years during which a doctoral degree on NQF Level 10 in Education with a focus on Teacher Education (Pre-service or In-service Teachers) MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent appointment).
• Candidates must submit proof of registration for a doctoral degree in Education with a focus on Teacher Education (Pre-service or In-service Teachers) (attach a copy).
• Candidates should submit an abstract of their thesis (or dissertation) to indicate relevance to Teacher Education (Pre-service or In-service Teachers). (attach a copy).
• A formal teaching qualification with Life Sciences or Physical Sciences as one of the major subjects (e.g. Diploma in Education or Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent) (attach a copy).
• A minimum of five (5) years relevant working experience in a school environment or at least two (2) years in a higher education or research and development environment.
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Provide evidence of manuscript (s) produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication, ideally in an accredited journal.
• A good academic record (attach a copy).

Recommendations:

• Proven research record of relevant publications in national accredited journals.
• Member of a national or international scholarly society or committee. 
• Experience in school-based community engagement work.
• Experience in school leadership as either a Subject Head, Head of Department, Cluster leader, Deputy Principal, etc.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision. 

Assumption of duties:

• 1 December 2026

Closing date:

• 14 October 2026

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Behavioural Ecology, Human Ecological Footprint and other ecology-focused modules in the Department.
• Provide supervision to postgraduate students as needed (Honours, Masters, and Doctoral levels).
• Publish research outputs in accredited national and international peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to curriculum development within the department.
• Perform general administrative duties.

Inherent requirements:

• PhD on NQF Level 10 in Zoology/Ecology or related discipline.
• Proven teaching experience in Higher Education.
• Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in Zoological or Ecological fields.
• Proven research experience in ecological research within the zoological sciences.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.

Recommendations:

• Proven experience in supervision of graduated MSc and/or PhD students.
• An NRF rating or demonstrate potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at higher education level.
• Active involvement in Zoological/Ecological research.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in teaching Ecological and Zoological sciences at tertiary level.
• Member of or registration at a professional body (attach proof).
• Member of a national or international scholarly society or committee.
• Demonstrated experience in field-based research.

Competencies

Required competencies: 

Results Orientated:

• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

• 01 January 2027 or as soon as possible.

Closing date:

• 15 October 2026

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

• Initiate, conduct and sustain quality research outputs in Urban and Regional Planning.
• Provide research leadership and mentorship to academic colleagues and postgraduate students.
• Teach and assess students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels using appropriate contact, blended and online learning approaches.
• Contribute to curriculum development, renewal and assessment.
• Provide study leadership at the postgraduate level.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives where possible.
• Recruit and supervise postgraduate students.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for  external funding and collaborative research projects.
• Contribute to departmental, faculty and University administration, including academic leadership, quality assurance, student support and committee work.  

Inherent Job Requirements:

Associate Professor

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in the presentation of research papers at national conferences, where there is evidence of peer review of papers.
• Experience as external examiner for postgraduate students.
• Acted as an editorial board member of high-quality national scholarly journals.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a specific scientific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating of C3 or equivalent status.
• Proven experience in the supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals
• Served as a member of a national scholarly society OR a national committee or agency concerned with research at higher education levels OR showed evidence of service as an active member of an international equivalent.

​​​​Professor

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related field.
• Experience as external examiner for master’s-degree and doctoral students.
• Acted as editorial board member of high-quality international/ISI/IBSS journals.
• Proven international recognition for specialist expertise and research leadership in a particular area of academic scholarship (for example, regularly serves as a reviewer for international/ISI/IBSS journals).
• An NRF rating of C1 or C2 or equivalent status.
• Proven experience in the supervision of 20 graduated Masters' and 10 PhD students.
• Proven experience in delivering keynote addresses at national scholarly conferences.
• Served as a member of an international scholarly society OR an international committee or agency concerned with research at higher-education levels.

Recommendations:

• A demonstrated ability to source external research funding or grant opportunities.

Competencies

Key Competencies:

Results Orientated:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to maintain composure and self-control.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

• As soon as possible.

Closing date:

• 22 October 2026

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities:

• Initiate, conduct and sustain quality research outputs in Urban and Regional Planning.
• Provide research leadership and mentorship to academic colleagues and postgraduate students.
• Teach and assess postgraduate students in relevant modules, including the development and delivery of learning materials, assessment activities and feedback to support student learning and academic progression.
• Provide study leadership at the postgraduate level.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives where possible.
• Recruit and supervise postgraduate students.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for external funding and collaborative research projects.
• Perform relevant academic and general administrative duties at departmental, faculty and University level. 

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A PhD on NQF level 10 in Human Settlements, Urban and Regional Planning or a closely related field.
• At least 5-10 publications in internationally recognised journals or relevant industry experience.
• Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
• An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
• Proven experience in supervision of graduated master’s degree students.
• A proven research record of relevant publication/s in peer-reviewed national and international accredited scientific journals. 
• Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at higher-education levels.

Recommendations:

• A demonstrated ability to source external research funding or grant opportunities.
• Proven lecturing or teaching experience

Competencies

Key Competencies Required:

Results-oriented:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to maintain composure and self-control.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
• The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

• 1 January 2026

Closing date:

• 22 October 2026