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UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS)
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP: REGENERATIVE GRAZING PRACTICES, GRAZING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (1-YEAR CONTRACT, RENEWABLE UP TO 3 YEARS) (JOB ID: 6511)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Animal Science
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Temporary
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 31/7/2026
Description
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 Grassland / Rangeland Science, with a focus on Regenerative Grazing practices, Grazing management systems.
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: Impact of various Regenerative Grazing practices on soil and vegetation dynamics; Precision grazing management; Application of Regenerative Grazing practices in semiarid to arid environments.
• 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 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 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.
• A valid driver’s licence will be advantageous (attach a copy).
Application:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 31 July 2026 to Ms Neriche Green at GreenNAK@ufs.ac.za and copy the Grassland Science Subject Head, Dr Paul Malan at MalanPJ@ufs.ac.za.
• Motivation letter, including a 1–2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly output.
• Full transcripts of academic record and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• Certified 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.
Assumption of duties: As soon as possible
Closing date: 31 July 2026
Allowance:
• R 270,000 annual fellowship.
• R 30,000 additional research expenses fund.
Enquiries: For enquiries, please contact Ms Neriche Green at GreenNAK@ufs.ac.za and copy the Grassland Science Subject Head, Dr Paul Malan at MalanPJ@ufs.ac.za
General:
The University of the Free State is committed to excellence, innovation, and the advancement of impactful research that contributes to improved outcomes and scientific advancement. 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
To apply, please email the following documentation by 31 July 2026 to Ms Neriche Green at GreenNAK@ufs.ac.za and copy the Grassland Science Subject Head, Dr Paul Malan at MalanPJ@ufs.ac.za
Additional Information
LECTURER (JOB ID: 6510)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Geography
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 6/7/2026
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:
• Teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas of geospatial analysis and remote sensing and contribute to teaching within the broad field of environmental systems and/or human environment interactions.
• Maintain an active research program leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals and other venues.
• Recruit and supervise postgraduate Geography students.
• Participate in department, school, and university committees as appropriate.
• Source external third-stream income research funding from industry.
• Perform general administration duties as applicable at university level.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean and Head of Department.
Inherent requirements:
• A relevant PhD on NQF Level 10 in Geography, Earth Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing (RS), Geospatial Science or a closely related field (for a permanent appointment).
or
• A relevant Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Geography, Earth Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing (RS), Geospatial Science or a closely related field (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in Geography, Earth Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing (RS), Geospatial Science or closely related field MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• Demonstrated geospatial modelling skills with proven experience in GIS systems and remote sensing analysis.
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record (attach).
Recommendations:
• A relevant PhD on NQF Level 10 in Geography, Earth Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing (RS), Geospatial Science or a closely related field.
• Proven research record.
• Experience in teaching and learning at university level.
• Demonstrated research experience in geospatial science as evidenced by a record of publication (Poster or Oral Presentations at conferences or equivalent activities) and external funding.
• Preference will be given to applicants with previous University teaching experience linked to modelling within GIS and remote sensing software.
• Background in R, IDL, Python or other programming language suitable for scientific computing.
• Potential to teach effective upper-level courses related to GIS, RS and geospatial analysis.
• Potential for excellence in graduate instruction and mentoring.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to function with ease in the University parallel-medium and multicultural working environment.
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 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 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 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: 01 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing date: 06 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 7659 or email SejanamaneP@ufs.ac.zaor Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 9813 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.
Additional Information
SENIOR OFFICER: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS (POST LEVEL 9) JOB ID: 6501
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Law -> Office of the Vice-Dean: Learning, Teaching, Innovation and Digitalisation
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 3/7/2026
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:
• Recruit undergraduate and postgraduate students in alignment with the Faculty of Law’s recruitment strategy and institutional enrolment objectives.
• Promote the faculty’s academic programmes through various communication and marketing channels, including digital platforms, career expos, school visits, subject selection evenings, and community engagement initiatives in collaboration with Student Recruitment Services (SRS).
• Develop, implement, monitor, and review the Faculty of Law’s communication and marketing strategy in alignment with the university’s brand and strategic priorities.
• Coordinate faculty advertising and marketing initiatives in collaboration with the Department of Communication and Marketing.
• Develop, design, coordinate, and distribute marketing and communication material for academic programmes, faculty events, and stakeholder engagement initiatives, including brochures, newsletters, videos, information guides, and digital content.
• Ensure that all faculty communication and marketing content complies with UFS branding guidelines and promotes a consistent faculty identity across all communication platforms.
• Coordinate faculty publications and newsletters, including the design and publication of Kovsilex, faculty rulebooks, annual reports, and other faculty-related publications.
• Manage and regularly update the Faculty of Law website and social media platforms to ensure content remains current, relevant, accurate, and aligned with institutional digital communication objectives.
• Develop and execute content strategies for faculty events, recruitment campaigns, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Monitor and analyse social media engagement and digital communication performance and compile regular reports for faculty management and relevant committees.
• Attend and contribute to Faculty Marketing and Communication Committee meetings, providing reports, communication updates, and strategic input regarding faculty visibility and stakeholder engagement.
• Write articles and communication content relating to faculty achievements, events, staff and student accomplishments, research activities, and community engagement initiatives and engage with the Department of Communication and Marketing for distribution.
• Liaise with faculty staff, students, alumni, relevant university divisions, external stakeholders, and service providers to source, coordinate, and disseminate faculty-related information and achievements.
• Ensure that faculty events and marketing initiatives comply with institutional policies, risk management requirements, and relevant university event procedures.
• Develop contingency plans for faculty events and address operational challenges to ensure successful event execution.
• Maintain and update the Faculty of Law alumni database and facilitate alumni engagement initiatives in collaboration with relevant university structures.
• Collaborate with external vendors, designers, photographers, videographers, and other service providers to produce high-quality communication and marketing material where required.
• Compile and coordinate the Faculty of Law internationalisation report using the Internationalisation Toolkit and support faculty internationalisation initiatives, partnerships, and exchange programmes.
• Represent the faculty on relevant institutional committees and forums related to marketing, communication, recruitment, and internationalisation.
• Serve as a point of contact for communication and marketing-related matters between the faculty and internal and external stakeholders.
• Draft, manage, and monitor the Faculty of Law marketing budget and identify cost-effective and financially viable marketing opportunities.
• Monitor expenditure related to faculty marketing and communication activities to ensure effective utilisation of allocated resources and alignment with institutional procurement processes.
• Support the coordination of prospective student databases and communication campaigns in collaboration with Student Recruitment Services
• Promote and protect the reputation of the Faculty through proactive communication, stakeholder engagement and brand management initiatives.
• Coordinate and curate photographic, video and digital content for use across faculty communication and marketing platforms.
Inherent requirements:
• A relevant Bachelor’s degree or a B. Tech degree on NQF Level 7 in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ relevant working experience related to the duties and responsibilities.
Recommendations:
• An Honours degree on NQF Level 8 in Marketing, Communication, Public Relations, or related field.
• Evidence of successful social media and marketing experience.
• Experience within the higher education environment.
• Member of or registration with a professional body (i.e MASA, PRISA)(attach a copy).
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 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 negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
Assumption of duties: 1 September or as soon as possible.
Closing date: 3 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 2979 or email JardineS@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.az.za Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 2558 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.
ASSISTANT OFFICER: GRADUATE RESEARCH MANAGEMENT (POST LEVEL 13) (CONTRACT APPOINTMENT: 1 YEAR) JOB ID: 6502
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies -> Centre for Graduate Support
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Semi-Skilled
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 24/6/2026
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:
• Assist with progress reports administration on the Graduate Research Management (GRM) system.
• Assist with linking of staff and students on the GRM system.
• Assist with Business Requirements Specification (BRS) creation for a GRM system.
• Assist with User Acceptance Testing (UAT) of the GRM system.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the GRM system.
• Assist with the development of training support material for different roles on the GRM system.
• Assist with regular reports on GRM progress.
• Assist with induction of staff and students on the GRM system.
• Assist with enquiries and troubleshooting with regard to the GRM system.
Inherent requirements:
• Grade 12 or National Vocational Certificate on NQF Level 4.
• One (1) year’s relevant working experience in a higher education environment.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working on a PeopleSoft Graduate Research Management System, including Business Requirements Specification (BRS) development and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
Recommendations:
• A National Diploma on NQF Level 6 or a bachelor’s degree or an advanced diploma/BTech degree/postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7.
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 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 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: 01 August 2026 or as soon as possible.
Closing date: 24 June 2026
Salary: The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 240,866.45– R 403,692.54 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.
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 2979 or email JardineS@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.az.za Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 / 2558 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 theclosing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.