Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Sociology, Anthropology& Development , (Fixed Term Contract)

Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Sociology, Anthropology& Development , Start Date: 2026-08-31 - 2026-09-07 Vacancy Type: Fixed Term Contract EC000822 Sectors: Academic Location: Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape Salary: Brief: DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS (On behalf of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Development) Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period) Description: The Department of Sociology, University of Fort Hare, East London Campus has a vacancy for a full-time two-year postdoctoral research fellowship. The successful candidate will be required to work on research projects that focus on extractivism, environment and social sustainability, indigenous knowledge systems and small and medium scale economic activities in South Africa, SADC countries or any countries in Africa. The fellowship will be awarded on competitive basis with consideration given to prior scholarly achievements of the applicant. The fellowship is initially for two years and is renewable subject to outstanding performance of the fellow. Detail: Requirements: The successful candidate will have a doctorate, completed in the last five years, in the social sciences (preferably with focus on extractivism, environment and sustainability) or related fields at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad. If not yet in possession of a doctoral degree, they need to submit a written statement from the Registrar (or equivalent) at the issuing University confirming that they satisfactorily fulfilled the University's requirements for a doctoral degree at the time of application for a postdoctoral research fellowship. Details of the qualification and expected date of graduation should be included in the statement. The successful candidate may not be in the employment of UFH (including Time on Task) at the time of taking the postdoctoral fellowship. The successful candidate may not be employed in any other institution/company during their postdoctoral fellowship. The successful candidate may be of any age, gender or nationality (subject only to the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs) Preference will be given to South African females. Conditions : By the end of their first year, the PDRF is expected to have submitted papers amounting to 2 units for review on the topic of their postdoctoral research which meets the following minimum requirements PDRF extending into their second and subsequent years are expected to have published (or have in-press) 2 units. All papers must be on the topic of postdoctoral research and details of the papers must be submitted by the host to the PGS office by the end of each renewal year. Duration : The fellowship is valid for 24 months from the month of arrival and may be extended with evidence of good progress. Application details: Full CV (including publications), motivation letter (2-3 pages long), and proof of completion of doctorate. On the subject line write Sociology2, applications to be sent to Mr. Mandilakhe Qelesile at [email protected] and copy Ms. Babalwa Solani at [email protected] Send queries to Prof I Umejesi: [email protected] NOTE: Applications will be treated in order of arrival and with the highest degree of confidentiality. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing, preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards the achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile. The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment Closing date: 7 September 2026 show more... Apply