MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY VACANCIES

​DIRECTORATE FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (CEAD)
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
(Participatory design for climate change adaptation)
One-Year Fixed Contract
 
Key Performance Areas:
• Initiate and conduct community-based participatory action research.
• Facilitate participatory design circles for climate change adaptation.
• Co-ordinate sustainable smart agricultural practices and climate modelling.
• Transform qualitative and quantitative data into publishable materials.
• Monitor and evaluate research projects.
• Communicate science through various methods.
• Engage strategic stakeholders such as Indigenous Local Knowledge keepers (ILEK) for climate smart agricultural practices.
• Present the research project in relevant platforms such as conferences, colloquia, symposia, seminars etc to strengthen research findings.
• Ability to publish manuscripts (review and research) in accredited journals and peer reviewed conference proceedings.
• Write reports on progress regarding the research project.
• Draft grant applications to broaden the research.
• Co-supervise relevant postgraduate research and/or collaborate with researchers on the subject of climate change.
• Initiate, develop and/or be involved in research collaborations and networking for joint ventures.
 
Minimum Requirements:
• A recently earned PhD (within the last five years) in climate change adaptation studies, such as Environmental Management studies; Agricultural Economics and/or Extension (but focusing more on sustainability); Development studies; or any other climate change adaptation and mitigation related areas.
• South African citizens or permanent residents will be prioritised.
• International Postdoctoral Research Fellows must have a long-term visitor’s visa endorsed for academic activities affiliated with MUT (Section 11(1)(b) Visitors Visa).
• A solid knowledge of climate change adaptation and ILEK systems
• At least 2 published articles in the last two years (24 months) in accredited journals
• Working knowledge and experience with analytical software, such as Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Stata and Statistical Analysis System (SAS).
• Has not held full-time permanent academic or professional employment.
 
Recommendations:
• Track record of, and passion for community development.
• Experience in postgraduate student mentorship will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of local language will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of climate-related software will be an added advantage.
 
Competencies:
• Literature review
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work independently or with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge of writing for publication
• Skilled in identifying accredited journals for publications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interpret climate change-related and social sciences data.
• Good organisational skills

​Stipend: R300 000.00 per annum (tax-exempt)
Interested applicants should send (a) a motivation detailing the extent to which they meet the requirements of the position; (b) an application form (downloadable from www.mut.ac.za); (c) a Curriculum Vitae; (d) certified copies of academic qualifications plus academic records, proof of professional registration with a relevant professional body where applicable and copy of a valid driver’s license. (Please provide academic transcripts and SAQA evaluation certificate, if qualifications were obtained outside South Africa); and (e) names of three contactable referees to: Department of Human Resources and Development, via email: hr@mut.ac.za. copied mandleni@mut.ac.za
 
Enquiries: Tel (031) 9079413
 
Closing Date: 25 July 2025