Background and Context

The University of the Free State (UFS) is advancing a bold institutional strategy under Vision 130, positioning itself as a research-led and globally connected university. As part of this trajectory, UFS is establishing four flagship Research Themes that define the University’s leadership in areas of global importance and societal transformation.

The  Research Theme Leader is the leader of the Research Group: Flourishing Life and will lead the University’s efforts to promote inclusive human flourishing through interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research that integrates the humanities, social sciences, law, education, and creative arts. This theme foregrounds UFS’s commitment to advancing human dignity, social justice, democracy, governance and cultural understanding, fostering a university environment that contributes meaningfully to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2063, and the DSI Decadal plan, particularly those related to peace, equality, democracy, governance, education, and well-being.

 

Key Responsibilities:

•    Provide Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a strategic vision and roadmap for the Flourishing Life theme, ensuring alignment with the UFS Strategic Plan and national research priorities. Position UFS as a leading national and continental hub for scholarship in human flourishing, peacebuilding, and cultural renewal.

•    Drive Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Research Excellence: Lead high-impact research that explores the intersections of identity, justice, ethics, and well-being across disciplines. Promote collaboration across faculties and institutes to advance the theme’s three focus areas: Cross-border and Global Issues; Identity, Culture, and Heritage; Peace, Democracy, Social Justice, and Human Rights.

•    Advance Societal and Policy Impact: Encourage research that contributes to reconciliation, inclusive development, and cultural understanding. Engage with communities, policymakers, and civil society to translate research into tangible impact.

•    Secure Research Funding and Partnerships: Lead and coordinate the submission of competitive proposals to national and international funding bodies, philanthropic organisations, and contract research opportunities. Cultivate partnerships with government, NGOs, and private-sector organisations that advance the social impact of UFS research.

•    Capacity Development and Mentorship: Supervise and mentor postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows engaged in humanities and social justice research. Build a diverse and dynamic research community that fosters excellence and inclusivity.

•    Institutional Integration and Representation: Collaborate with other Theme Leaders and the Directorate Research Development (DRD) to align initiatives with institutional priorities. Represent UFS in national and international networks dedicated to human flourishing, ethics, and social transformation.

Minimum Requirements:

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​•    A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Education, or related interdisciplinary fields).

•    Appointable at Associate or Full Professor level, based on the applicable UFS criteria for such appointments.

•    A proven research record in one or more of the theme’s areas: identity, culture, heritage, democracy, governance, peace, justice, or human rights.

•    Leadership experience in managing multidisciplinary or cross-faculty research teams.

•    Demonstrated success in attracting competitive external research funding.

•    Evidence of public engagement or policy influence through research.

•    Excellent strategic planning, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred / Advantageous Criteria:

•    NRF rating or comparable international academic recognition.

•    Experience in leading or contributing to major international or national research consortia.

•    Demonstrated ability to connect academic scholarship to societal, policy, or cultural impact.

•    Experience in developing creative or community-based research methodologies that promote inclusion and ethical practice.

•    Familiarity with South African and African science policy frameworks (NRF, DSI, DHET, AU Agenda 2063).

Required Core Competencies:

•    Results Orientation: Sets ambitious standards, achieves outcomes with excellence, and sustains focus in a dynamic environment.

•    Strategic Agility: Synthesises complex ideas, anticipates trends, and integrates innovative thinking into research leadership.

•    Business and Research Acumen: Understands research funding frameworks, proposal development, and research governance.

•    Leadership and Influence: Inspires confidence, motivates others, and leads teams toward common goals.

•    Networking and Coalition Building: Builds trust-based relationships across academic, public, and private sectors.

•    Cultural and Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates empathy, inclusivity, and sensitivity to diverse perspectives and contexts.

Assumption of Duties

1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Remuneration

A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority and strategic importance of the position.

Fringe Benefits

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid, group life insurance, housing allowance, annual leave, service bonus, and study benefits.

Enquiries

For enquiries, contact: Mrs. Marianne Vermaak – Tel: +27 51 401 9329 | Email: VermaakM@ufs.ac.za 

For application assistance, Mrs. Puseletso Parkie – Tel: +27 51 401 9848 | Email: TeateaPR@ufs.ac.za 

Interested candidates with queries (only enquiries) may also write to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Vasu Reddy, e-mail: ReddyV@ufs.ac.za (NO APPLICATIONS to be sent to him).

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online via the UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll or via email to VermaakM@ufs.ac.za or TeateaPR@ufs.ac.za.

Required documentation:

•    A comprehensive CV and cover letter.

•    Copies of qualifications (SAQA accreditation required for foreign qualifications).

•    Identity document (ID/passport).

•    Proof of professional registration (if applicable).

Additional Information

The UFS processes personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The University reserves the right not to fill the post. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in late January/early February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be required to make a presentation followed by an interview.

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:  EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP 2025.pdf