Background and Context

The University of the Free State (UFS) is entering a dynamic phase of research transformation under Vision 130, aimed at positioning the institution as a research-led, globally engaged university. As part of this strategy, UFS is establishing four signature Research Themes that define the areas in which the University will lead nationally and make a distinctive global contribution.

The Research Theme Leader: Sustainable Futures will provide visionary, collaborative, and inclusive leadership to drive the University’s research excellence in sustainability, environmental resilience, circular economies, and future-oriented innovation. The incumbent will advance interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary partnerships that address complex societal and planetary challenges in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2063, and the DSI Decadal Plan.

 

Key Responsibilities:

​​​​​​​•    Develop and implement a strategic vision and roadmap for the Sustainable Futures theme, positioning the UFS as a national and international leader in sustainability research and innovation.

•    Foster an inclusive, future-focused research culture that supports high-impact, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration across faculties and campuses.

•    Lead and expand a portfolio of high-quality, internationally visible research projects.

•    Secure competitive research funding from diverse sources, including the NRF, DSI, industry, philanthropic organisations, and international consortia.

•    Publish impactful research outputs in accredited, high-impact journals and contribute to UFS’s research visibility and citation profile.

•    Build and strengthen partnerships with government, industry, and community stakeholders to ensure that research outputs translate into societal and economic benefit.

•    Represent UFS at national and global sustainability networks, think-tanks, and research alliances.

•    Mentor emerging researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and postgraduate students, cultivating the next generation of sustainability scientists and scholars.

•    Collaborate with other Theme Leaders and the Directorate Research Development (DRD) to align initiatives with institutional strategic priorities.

•    Contribute to institutional policy development, strategic reporting, and performance monitoring related to sustainability research.

Minimum Requirements

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​•    A PhD in a field relevant to sustainable development, environmental sciences, or related transdisciplinary areas.

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

•    A proven track record of high-impact research outputs and postgraduate supervision.

•    Demonstrated leadership experience in managing large, multi-disciplinary research teams or thematic programmes.

•    Evidence of sustained success in attracting and managing external research funding.

•    Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with a record of partnerships across academia, industry, and government.

•    Excellent strategic planning, communication, and networking abilities.

Preferred / Advantageous Criteria:

•    NRF-rated researcher or equivalent international recognition.

•    Experience in international research collaboration and global sustainability initiatives.

•    Experience in developing innovation pipelines, technology transfer, or knowledge translation related to sustainability.

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

Required Core Competencies:

•    Results Orientation: Sets ambitious goals, drives execution, and ensures excellence.

•    Strategic Agility: Anticipates future trends and integrates sustainability principles across disciplines.

•    Business and Financial Acumen: Understands research funding systems, cost centres, and performance indicators.

•    Leadership and Influence: Inspires others, builds trust, and mobilises collaborative teams toward shared goals.

•    Networking and Coalition Building: Engages confidently with internal and external partners to maximise research impact.

•    Adaptability and Innovation: Navigates change effectively and fosters a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.

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