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

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.