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UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS) VACANCIES - 08 MAY 2026
UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE (UFS)
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP: POLICY STUDIES IN EDUCATION (1-YEAR CONTRACT, RENEWABLE UP TO 3 YEARS) (JOB ID: 6455)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Education -> Department of Education Management, Policy and Comparative Education
Contract Type Contract
Occupational Level Temporary
Location QwaQwa Campus - QwaQwa, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 31/5/2026
Description
The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Faculty of Education within the department of Education Management, Policy and Comparative Education. Applicants interested in pursuing an academic career in Education Management and Leadership research are strongly encouraged to apply. The fellowship will enable an outstanding doctoral graduate to obtain experience of research, innovation, and community service at a higher education institution under the mentorship of established researchers.
The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, considering the applicants' academic achievements, research outputs and potential, as well as the relevance of his/her 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 and obtain evidence- based empirical data on current developments in Policy Studies in Education.
• 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.
• Initiate research projects and seek funding for them.
• Do limited teaching in the Programmes where appropriate.
• Provide limited supervision and/or co-supervision at Honour’s, master’s and/or Doctoral level where appropriate.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the Faculty of Education, the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research Development.
Eligibility criteria
• A PhD on NQF Level 10 with a focus on Policy Studies in Education.
• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• The fellowship will terminate once your PhD degree reaches the fifth (5th) year of graduation.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to UFS 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 Qwaqwa Campus
Application:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 31 May 2026 to tsotetsict@ufs.ac.za
• Motivation letter, including a 1- 2 page outline of relevant expertise and experience, and of the research project proposed for the fellowship.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs.
• Certified copies of full transcripts of academic records and of the doctoral degree certificate.
• A SAQA Certificate for qualifications obtained outside South Africa.
• Certified copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• A copy of at least two manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.
Assumption of duties: 01 July 2026
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Value of the fellowship:
• R 220,000 annual fellowship.
• R 30,000 additional research expenses fund.
Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact Prof. Tsotetsi at tsotetsict@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 Policy 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:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 31 May 2026 to tsotetsict@ufs.ac.za
• Motivation letter, including a 1- 2 page outline of relevant expertise and experience, and of the research project proposed for the fellowship.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs.
• Certified copies of full transcripts of academic records and of the doctoral degree certificate.
• A SAQA Certificate for qualifications obtained outside South Africa.
• Certified copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• A copy of at least two manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.
Additional Information
LECTURER: COMPARATIVE EDUCATION (JOB ID: 6457)
Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Faculty of Education -> Department of Education Management, Policy and Comparative Education
Contract Type Permanent
Occupational Level Junior Management
Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)
Closing Date 17/5/2026
Description
This position was previously advertised as Job ID 6382. All applications received in response to the previous advertisement will automatically be considered again. Previous applicants should not reapply unless they wish to submit outstanding supporting documents or updated information relating to their application.
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 modules in Comparative Education, Education Management and Leadership 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 Comparative 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:
Lecturer
• A relevant doctoral degree on NQF Level 10 with a focus on Comparative Education (for a permanent appointment).
or
• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 with a focus on Comparative Education (contract appointment: five years during which a relevant doctoral degree on NQF Level 10 with a focus on Comparative Education MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent appointment).
• Candidates must submit proof of registration for a doctoral degree with a focus on Comparative Education. (attach a copy)
• Candidates should submit an abstract of their thesis (or dissertation) to indicate relevance to the field of Comparative Education. (attach a copy)
• A formal teaching qualification (e.g. Advanced 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.
• Provide evidence of manuscript (s) produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication, ideally in an accredited journal.
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
Recommendations:
• Member of a or registration at a professional body.
• Member of a national or international scholarly society or committee.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national or international Q1-Q4 accredited journals,
• Experience in postgraduate supervision.
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 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 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: 01 July 2026
Closing date: 17 May 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 2258 or email ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 / 2979 / 2879 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