UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP: FORT HARE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Fixed Term Contract

EC000817

Academic

Eastern Cape, Eastern Cape

DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

(On behalf of Fort Hare institute of technology)

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period)"

Description: Fort Hare Institute of technology wish to appoint one Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to contribute to the program by characterizing and fabricating large area perovskite solar cells that will be used in community gardens.

The key performance areas include:

• Model and optimize La₂₋ₓSrₓNiMnO₆ perovskite device performance SCAPS-1D.
• Synthesis of Sr-doped LNMO (La₂₋ₓSrₓNiMnO₆) using spin coating with bandgap tuning achieved by optimizing Sr concentration.
• Development of a methodology for large area spectrally selective perovskite solar modules using industrial fabrication techniques.
• Characterization and evaluation of fabricated devices for their spectral selectivity and suitability in agrivoltaic applications.

Requirements:

• The successful candidate will preferably have a doctorate, completed in the last five years, in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related field at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad.
• If not yet in possession of a doctoral degree, they need to submit a written statement from the Registrar (or equivalent) at the issuing University confirming that they satisfactorily fulfilled the University’s requirements for a doctoral degree at the time of application for a postdoctoral research fellowship. Details of the qualification and expected date of graduation should be included in the statement.
• A minimum of 3 years relevant experience in the abovementioned research areas.
• A track record of publications in DHET accredited journals
• The successful candidate may not be in the employment of UFH (including Time on Task) at the time of taking the postdoctoral fellowship.
• The successful candidate may not be employed in any other institution/company during their postdoctoral fellowship.
• The successful candidate may be of any age, gender or nationality (subject only to the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs)
• Preference will be given to South African females.

Conditions:

• By the end of their first year, the PDRF is expected to have submitted papers amounting to 2 units for review on the topic of their postdoctoral research which meets the following minimum requirements
• PDRF extending into their second and subsequent years are expected to have published (or have in-press) 2 units. All papers must be on the topic of the postdoctoral research and details of the papers must be submitted by the host to the PGS office by the end of each renewal year.

Expected outcomes:

• Produce spectrally selective perovskite solar modules capable of efficient energy generation while supporting plant growth
• Provide a scalable model for next-generation agrivoltaic deployment in community settings
• A minimum of 4 publications in DHET accredited journals
• Co-mentoring of postgraduate students

Application details: Please email the following documents to Mr. Mandilakhe Qelesile (MQelesile@ufh.ac.za) and copy Ms. Babalwa Solani (BSolani@ufh.ac.za /postdoc@ufh.ac.za)

• Motivation letter should include a 1 – 2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications.
• Full transcript of recent academic records and a copy of the doctoral degree certificate and any other relevant certificates.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• On the subject line write, Fabrication of large area Perovskite Solar Modules .

For queries: Please contact Prof. E. Meyer via email: emeyer@ufh.ac.za. 

NOTE:

• Applications will be treated in order of arrival and with the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Correspondence will be with short-listed candidates only.
• The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing, preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards the achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile.
• The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment.

Closing date: 11 September 2026.

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POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP: ACCOUNTING, ECONOMICS &FINANCE

Fixed Term Contract

EC000818

Academic

Eastern Cape, Eastern Cape

DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

(On behalf of the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance)

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period)"

Description: The Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance wish to appoint one Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to focus on Corporate Cash Holdings in South African Listed Companies.  The study incorporates a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods using corporates listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The candidate must be based in the East London precinct area.

Requirements:

• The successful candidate will preferably have a doctorate, completed in the last five years, in Accounting or Finance at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad.
• If not yet in possession of a doctoral degree, they need to submit a written statement from the Registrar (or equivalent) at the issuing University confirming that they satisfactorily fulfilled the University’s requirements for a doctoral degree at the time of application for a postdoctoral research fellowship. Details of the qualification and expected date of graduation should be included in the statement.
• The successful candidate may not be in the employment of UFH (including Time on Task) at the time of taking the postdoctoral fellowship.
• The successful candidate may not be employed in any other institution/company during their postdoctoral fellowship.
• The successful candidate may be of any age, gender or nationality (subject only to the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs)
• Preference will be given to South African females.

Conditions:

• By the end of their first year, the PDRF is expected to have submitted papers amounting to 2 units for review on the topic of their postdoctoral research which meets the following minimum requirements
• PDRF extending into their second and subsequent years are expected to have published (or have in-press) 2 units. All papers must be on the topic of postdoctoral research and details of the papers must be submitted by the host to the PGS office by the end of each renewal year.

Project requirements:

• Conduct innovative research and produce scholarly output on the corporate cash holdings behaviour of South African corporates and the impact on economics development.
• Demonstrate relevant experience, understanding, and knowledge of quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• Fieldwork experience
• Strong academic writing abilities
• Competence in data analysis (STATA, R and Thematic)

Application details: Please email the following documents to Mr. Mandilakhe Qelesile (MQelesile@ufh.ac.za) and copy Ms. Babalwa Solani (BSolani@ufh.ac.za / postdoc@ufh.ac.za)

• Motivation letter should include a 1 – 2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications.
• Full transcript of recent academic records and a copy of the doctoral degree certificate and any other relevant certificates.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised/mentored the candidate.
• On the subject line write, Accounting and Finance.

For queries: Please contact Prof Trust Chireka for information related to the project: tchireka@ufh.ac.za

NOTE:

• Applications will be treated in order of arrival and with the highest degree of confidentiality. ◦ Correspondence will be with short-listed candidates only.
• The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing, preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards the achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile.
• The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment.

Closing date: 11 September 2026.

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POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP: COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE

Fixed Term Contract

EC000819

Academic

Eastern Cape, Eastern Cape

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Computational Sciences under the discipline of Physics at the University of Fort Hare, under the supervision of Prof Patrick Mukumba. The fellowship forms part of an active research programme focusing on advanced wind energy technologies, with particular emphasis on low-wind-speed energy harvesting, including ducted wind turbine systems, concentrator-diffuser augmented wind turbines (CD-AWTs), INVELOX systems, shrouded wind turbines, and other innovative wind energy concepts. The research programme also encompasses offshore wind resource assessment, offshore wind turbine innovation, wind resource characterisation using ZX Wind LiDAR technology, and the design and optimisation of renewable energy mini-grid systems. A strong emphasis is placed on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), digital modelling, and advanced optimisation techniques to improve wind resource assessment, turbine design, system performance, and decision-making for next-generation wind energy technologies.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Applicant must have completed doctoral degree within the last five years.
• Must have graduated with a PhD in Renewable Energy, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.
• Should have demonstrated expertise in wind energy systems, wind resource assessment, and renewable energy mini-grid design and performance optimisation.
• Experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and numerical modelling for wind energy applications will be a distinct advantage.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO:

• Conduct innovative research on advanced wind energy technologies for low-wind-speed energy harvesting.
• Develop, model, and optimise wind turbine systems using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced optimisation techniques.
• Conduct wind resource assessment and characterisation using the ZX Wind LiDAR system for onshore and offshore wind energy applications.
• Design, construct, install, and experimentally evaluate innovative wind energy augmentation systems, including ducted, shrouded, concentrator, diffuser, and INVELOX-based technologies for both horizontal-axis and vertical-axis wind turbines.
• Contribute to the design and optimisation of renewable energy mini-grid systems integrating wind energy technologies.
• Contribute to the research productivity of the research group, postgraduate students as well as the Department.
• Must produce a research publication unit of 2.0 per annum with the host.

FELLOWSHIP VALUE AND DURATION

• The fellowship is valued at R300,000 per annum (tax-free).
• The initial appointment will be for 24 months, subject to the University's Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Policy.
• Renewal beyond the initial appointment period will be based on satisfactory performance and achievement of the required research outputs.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

• Applications to be sent to Mr. Mandilakhe Qelesile at MQelesile@ufh.ac.za and copy Ms. Babalwa Solani at BSolani@ufh.ac.za / postdocs@ufh.ac.za
• Motivation letter, including a 2-3-pages outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications.
• Full transcript of recent academic records and copy of doctoral degree certificate and any other relevant certificate.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/ supervised/ mentored the candidate.

For enquires: Please contact Prof Patrick Mukumba

E-mail: pmukumba@ufh.ac.za

The University of Fort Hare is committed to employment equity and transformation. Preference will be given to suitably qualified South African citizens, particularly women, in line with institutional policies and strategic objectives.

Closing Date: 11 September 2026

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POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP: APPLIED MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATION &ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

Fixed Term Contract

EC000820

Academic

Eastern Cape, Eastern Cape

DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

(On behalf of the Department of Applied Management, Administration and Ethical Leadership)

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period)"

Description: The Centre for Global Change wishes to appoint one Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to focus on a project titled: Reconfiguring Agro-Industrial Systems for Just Transitions, Net-Zero Pathways, and Inclusive Livelihoods in Eastern Cape. Building on the prior agro-ecological research at the Centre for Global Change (CGC), the purpose of the project is to establish the Food Factories Work (FFW) model in the Eastern Cape through strategic partnerships with government officials and the private sector. Crucially, this project employs transdisciplinary and participatory methods, such as living labs and the co-production of knowledge, to ensure that innovations are locally relevant, socially inclusive, and scalable.

Requirements:

• The successful candidate will preferably have a doctorate, completed in the last five years, in Agronomy or closely related field at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad.
• If not yet in possession of a doctoral degree, they need to submit a written statement from the Registrar (or equivalent) at the issuing University confirming that they satisfactorily fulfilled the University’s requirements for a doctoral degree at the time of application for a postdoctoral research fellowship. Details of the qualification and expected date of graduation should be included in the statement.
• The successful candidate may not be in the employment of UFH (including Time on Task) at the time of taking the postdoctoral fellowship.
• The successful candidate may not be employed in any other institution/company during their postdoctoral fellowship.
• The successful candidate may be of any age, gender or nationality (subject only to the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs)
• Preference will be given to South African females.

Conditions:

• By the end of their first year, the PDRF is expected to have submitted manuscripts amounting to 2 units on the topic of their postdoctoral research.
• A PDRF extending into their second and subsequent years is expected to have published (or have in-press) 2 units. All papers must be on the topic of the postdoctoral research and details of the papers must be submitted by the host to the PGS office by the end of each renewal year.

Project requirements: .

• Possession of technical research skills such as conducting socio-economic surveys, perform environmental and agro-ecological assessments, design and evaluate pilot interventions, conduct monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills.
• Acquaintance with systems thinking, such as, socio-ecological systems, food–energy–water nexus, food–energy–labour nexus, and circular systems.
• Excellent record of peer-reviewed articles in accredited journals.
•  

Application details: Please email the following documents to Mr. Mandilakhe Qelesile (MQelesile@ufh.ac.za) and copy Ms. Babalwa Solani (BSolani@ufh.ac.za / postdoc@ufh.ac.za)

• Motivation letter should include a 1 – 2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications.
• Full transcript of recent academic records and a copy of the doctoral degree certificate and any other relevant certificates.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised/mentored the candidate.
• On the subject line write Agronomy/Crop Science.

For queries: Please contact Dr Leocadia Zhou (lzhou@ufh.ac.za) and Prof Charles Mutengwa (Cmutengwa@ufh.ac.za). 

NOTE:

• Applications will be treated in order of arrival and with the highest degree of confidentiality. ◦ Correspondence will be with short-listed candidates only.
• The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing, preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards the achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile.
• The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment.

Closing date: 11 September 2026.

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POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP: AGRONOMY

Fixed Term Contract

EC000821

Academic

Eastern Cape, Eastern Cape

DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

(On behalf of the Department of Agronomy)

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period)"

Description:

• The Department of Agronomy in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Fort Hare wish to appoint one Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to focus on Advancing Sustainable and Climate-Smart Crop Protection through the Development of Kleinia longiflora-Based Biopesticides. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research aimed at developing sustainable, environmentally friendly crop protection strategies that support climate-smart agriculture and enhance food security.

Requirements:

• The successful candidate will preferably have a doctorate completed in the last five years in Agronomy/Crop Science/Plant Production/Plant Protection at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad.
• If not yet in possession of a doctoral degree, they need to submit a written statement from the Registrar (or equivalent) at the issuing University confirming that they satisfactorily fulfilled the University’s requirements for a doctoral degree at the time of application for a postdoctoral research fellowship. Details of the qualification and expected date of graduation should be included in the statement.
• Demonstrate evidence of research productivity through at least three (3) research articles in DHET-accredited journals.
• Be proficient in statistical software such as GenStat, R, SAS, SPSS, or Statistica.
• The successful candidate may not be in the employment of UFH (including Time on Task) at the time of taking the postdoctoral fellowship.
• The successful candidate may not be employed in any other institution/company during their postdoctoral fellowship.
• The successful candidate may be of any age, gender or nationality (subject only to the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs)
• Preference will be given to South African females.

Conditions:

• By the end of their first year, the PDRF is expected to have submitted papers amounting to 2 units for review on the topic of their postdoctoral research which meets the following minimum requirements
• PDRF extending into their second and subsequent years are expected to have published (or have in-press) 2 units. All papers must be on the topic of postdoctoral research and details of the papers must be submitted by the host to the PGS office by the end of each renewal year.

Duration:

• The fellowship is valid for 24 months from the month of arrival and may be extended with evidence of good progress.

Application details:

• Please email the following documents to Mr. Mandilakhe Qelesile (MQelesile@ufh.ac.za) and copy Ms. Babalwa Solani (BSolani@ufh.ac.za / postdoc@ufh.ac.za)
• Motivation letter should include a 1 – 2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications.
• Full transcript of recent academic records and a copy of the doctoral degree certificate and any other relevant certificates.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised/mentored the candidate.
• On the subject line write Crop Science

For queries: For further information regarding the research project, please contact Assoc. Prof. Kagiso Shadung at kshadung@ufh.ac.za.

NOTE:

• Applications will be treated in order of arrival and with the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Correspondence will be with short-listed candidates only.
• The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing, preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards the achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile.
• The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment.

Closing date: 11 September 2026.

APPLY