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UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS)
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (1-YEAR CONTRACT, RENEWABLE UP TO 3 YEARS) (JOB ID: 6516)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Animal Science
Contract Type
Occupational Level Temporary
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 31/7/2026
Description
This post was previously advertised as Job ID: 6458. All applications received in response to the previous advertisement, will automatically be considered again. Previous applicants therefore do not need to reapply.
The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship to join the Department of Animal Science. Candidates interested in pursuing an academic or professional career in Animal Breeding, with a focus on molecular genetics (including rumen microbiome dynamics) or quantitative genetics.
The fellowship provides the opportunity for a talented doctoral graduate to obtain experience of research and innovation at a higher education institution under the mentorship of established researchers.
The fellowship will be awarded on a competitive basis, considering the applicants' academic achievements, publication outputs and research potential, as well as the relevance of prior experience and expertise. The fellowship is available for a period of one year, renewable for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Conduct innovative research in the following areas: Estimation of genetic parameters in livestock; Genome Wide Association Studies; Genetic Marker Analysis; Rumen Microbiome Diversity Analysis, Animal Production Trials.
• Author/co-author at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of DHET– accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
• Initiate projects and seek funding
• Register and reside as postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS in Bloemfontein and participate in relevant activities of the Centre for Graduate Support and the Directorate of Research
Competencies
Eligibility criteria
• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University if 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 must be able to relocate to the UFS in Bloemfontein for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS.
Value of the fellowship:
• R 270,000 annual fellowship.
• R30 000 additional research expenses fund.
Application:
Applications are to be submitted by email to Ms. Neriche Green at GreenNAK@ufs.ac.za cc Animal Division Head Prof Errol Cason at CasonED@ufs.ac.za by 13 July 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Comprehensive applications are invited, comprising of:
• Motivation letter, including a 1-2 page outlining the applicant’s research interest and relevant expertise and experience
• Full CV including a list of research publications and other scholarly outputs
• Full transcripts of academic record and copy of doctoral degree 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 the candidate.
Closing date: 31 July 2026
Commencement of fellowship: As soon as possible thereafter
For inquiries, please contact: Ms. Neriche Green GreenNAK@ufs.ac.za.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
How to apply to this job
Application:
Applications are to be submitted by email to Ms. Neriche Green GreenNAK@ufs.ac.za; cc Animal Division Head Prof Errol Cason at CasonED@ufs.ac.za by 31 July 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Additional Information
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (1-year contract, renewable up to 3 years) (Job ID: 6516)
AFTER-HOURS LIBRARIAN (POST LEVEL 9): LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES (JOB ID: 6506)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies -> Library and Information Services
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 10/7/2026
Description
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Undertake human resources' responsibilities (Supervision, monitoring, etc.).
• Conduct orientation sessions for new staff and students.
• Equip students with basic information literacy skills.
• Elaborate on the different types of information resources, including reference works, periodicals, and electronic resources, and explain their relevance in academic research
• Conduct effective search strategies by applying the appropriate steps in information searching and utilizing tools such as KovsieCat.
• Develop information retrieval skills by locating, evaluating, and accessing information from the internet and various academic databases.
• Ethical and legal use of information (Copyright, plagiarism).
• Develop content and train first-year students with information literacy skills.
• Manage services delivered at frontline service points (Circulations, Journals and Research Unit).
• Deliver professional and reference services (Conduct searches, respond to queries, provide support, etc.).
• Marketing Library services and resources to support academic excellence.
• Manage the use of collections on short loan/reserve.
• Manage the selection of balanced information resources to meet the teaching and learning information needs of users (Avoid unnecessary duplications).
• Assess collection and confirm current status to ensure relevancy, currency and usage.
• Must be available to work evening shifts during the weekdays from 14h00 – 22h00 and weekends.
Inherent Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree on NQF Level 7 in Library and Information Studies, OR any bachelor’s degree, Advanced Diploma/B. Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 PLUS a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies on NQF Level 8.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ relevant working experience in within Library and Information Services.
Recommendations:
• Honours Degree/Postgraduate Diploma on NQF Level 8 in the field of Library and Information Science.
• Three (3) years relevant experience in an Academic Library.
• Experience within the higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
• Member of a or registration at a professional body (eg., LIASA)(attach a copy).
Competencies
Key Competencies Required:
• Results-Oriented:
- 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 deal with several activities at a time.
- 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 lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• 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: As soon as possible
Closing date: 10 July 2026
Salary: The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 / 2876 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:
ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
FACULTY LIBRARIAN: THE HUMANITIES (POST LEVEL 8): LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES (JOB ID: 6505)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies -> Library and Information Services
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 10/7/2026
Description
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Support teaching, learning, and research in the Faculty of The Humanities by providing specialised library services.
• Deliver information literacy instruction tailored to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Provide advanced research support, including systematic literature searching and database navigation.
• Conduct faculty liaison to align library services with academic programmes and departmental needs.
• Integrate information literacy and library resources into curricula in collaboration with academic staff.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on referencing, academic writing, and research skills.
• Support postgraduate students and researchers with research consultations and scholarly communication.
• Develop and maintain subject-specific research guides and learning resources.
• Select, evaluate, and develop balanced collections aligned with teaching and research priorities.
• Monitor collection usage to ensure relevance, currency, and academic value.
• Promote access to digital scholarship tools, databases, and open access resources.
• Advise academic staff on resource acquisition and information resource development.
• Collaborate with faculty to support research output and academic excellence.
• Enhance student success by strengthening academic literacy and independent learning skills.
• Contribute to the overall strategic goals of the library and the university through proactive academic engagement.
Inherent Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree on NQF Level 7 in Library and Information Science, Information Science, or Library Studies.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant working experience in an Academic Library Environment.
• Current membership of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA)(attach a copy).
Recommendations:
• Postgraduate qualification on NQF Level 8 or higher in the field of Library and Information Science, Information Science, or Library Studies.
• Experience within the higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, procedures.
Competencies
Key Competencies:
• Results-Oriented:
- 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 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 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 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: As soon as possible
Closing date: 10 July 2026
Salary: The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 / 2876 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:
ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
FACULTY LIBRARIAN: HEALTH SCIENCES (POST LEVEL 8): LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES (JOB ID: 6504)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies -> Library and Information Services
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 10/7/2026
Description
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Support teaching, learning, and research in the Faculty of Health Sciences by providing specialised library services.
• Deliver information literacy instruction tailored to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Provide advanced research support, including systematic literature searching and database navigation.
• Conduct faculty liaison to align library services with academic programmes and departmental needs.
• Integrate information literacy and library resources into curricula in collaboration with academic staff.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions on referencing, academic writing, and research skills.
• Support postgraduate students and researchers with research consultations and scholarly communication.
• Select, evaluate, and develop balanced collections aligned with teaching and research priorities.
• Monitor collection usage to ensure relevance, currency, and academic value.
• Promote access to digital scholarship tools, databases, and open access resources.
• Advise academic staff on resource acquisition and information resource development.
• Collaborate with faculty to support research output and academic excellence.
• Enhance student success by strengthening academic literacy and independent learning skills.
• Contribute to the overall strategic goals of the library and the university through proactive academic engagement.
Inherent Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree on NQF Level 7 in Library and Information Science, Information Science, or Library Studies.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant working experience in an Academic Library Environment.
• Current membership of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) (attach a copy).
Recommendations:
• Postgraduate qualification on NQF Level 8 or higher in the field of Library and Information Science, Information Science, or Library Studies.
• Experience within the higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
Competencies
Key Competencies:
• Results-Oriented:
- 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 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 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 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: As soon as possible
Closing date: 10 July 2026
Salary: The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 / 2876 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:
ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.
FACULTY LIBRARIAN: THEOLOGY AND RELIGION (POST LEVEL 8): LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES (JOB ID: 6503)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies -> Library and Information Services
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 10/7/2026
Description
KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
Duties and responsibilities:
• Provide specialised information literacy instruction to Theology and Religion students and staff, integrating discipline-specific research skills and academic integrity principles.
• Support curriculum development by collaborating with the Faculty of Theology and Religion to embed library resources and research competencies into modules.
• Conduct research consultations for undergraduate, postgraduate, and academic staff, focusing on theological databases, scholarly publishing, and referencing tools.
• Curate, develop, and maintain relevant print and electronic collections in Theology and Religion and related disciplines to support teaching, learning, and research.
• Manage access to and promote the use of subject-specific databases, e-journals, and theological repositories.
• Facilitate research support services, including literature searches, systematic reviews, and bibliometric assistance.
• Develop and update online research guides and learning resources tailored to the Theology and Religion programmes.
• Engage in faculty liaison activities to strengthen partnerships between the Library and the Faculty of Theology and Religion.
• Promote academic integrity through training on referencing management tools and avoidance of plagiarism.
• Participate in scholarly communication initiatives, including open access publishing and institutional repository support.
• Monitor collection usage and academic needs to inform collection development decisions.
• Contribute to library outreach programmes, workshops, and student academic success initiatives within the faculty.
Inherent Job Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B. Tech degree on NQF Level 7 in Library and Information Science, Information Science, or Library Studies.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant working experience in an Academic Library Environment.
• Current membership of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA)(attach a copy).
Recommendations:
• Postgraduate qualification on NQF Level 8 or higher in the field of Library and Information Science, Information Science, or Library Studies.
• Experience within the higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
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 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 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 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: As soon as possible
Closing date: 10 July 2026
Salary: The salary is available on request.
Fringe benefits: (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.
Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 / 2876 for assistance.
General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:
ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf
The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.
The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.