Job Description

The Department of Agricultural Economics of the University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship position, to be filled as soon as possible.Candidates with a research interest and experience in research on the sustainable use of freshwater for food production, are encouraged to apply for this position. Candidates with proven experience in assessing the water footprint of agri-food products; Virtual water trade of agri-food products; Blue water footprint caps for river basins; Climate finance for agricultural production, would be considered.The fellowship will enable an outstanding doctoral graduate to obtain experience in research and innovation at a higher education institution under the mentorship of established researchers.The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account 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 two years subject to satisfactory performance and available funding.Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research in the following areas: Water footprint assessment of agri-food products; climate finance to incentivise water users to use water sustainably; virtual water trade to save water; setting of blue water footprint caps for river basins.
• Author/co-author at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of ISI-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 a postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research Development.

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.
• Prior experience in presenting research papers at conferences and/or seminars.
• Authored/co-authored academic publications.

CompetenciesApplication:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 31 October 2024 to Prof Henry Jordaan at jordaanh@ufs.ac.za:

• Motivational 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.
• A SAQA Certificate for qualifications obtained outside South Africa.
• 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.

Value of the fellowship:

• R 240,000 annual fellowship.
• R30 000 additional research expenses fund.

Closing date:
10 November 2024Commencement of fellowship:
01 January 2025For inquiries, please contact:
Prof Henry Jordaan at jordaanh@ufs.ac.zaGeneral:
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 : EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdfThe 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 jobTo apply, please email the following documentation by 31 October 2024 to Prof Henry Jordaan at jordaanh@ufs.ac.za:

University of the Free State