Job Description

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology Education on the Bloemfontein Campus, specifically in science education research, led by Prof Maria Tsakeni.Candidates with a doctoral degree in Science Education, preferably with expertise in innovative instructional strategies and curriculum innovations implementation in science classrooms are encouraged to apply. Candidates with proven research expertise in the design, collection, and analysis of quantitative data and mixed-research data will have an added advantage. Candidates with expertise in the application of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) are preferred. The successful candidate will be required to conduct innovative research and obtain evidence-based empirical data on curriculum innovations and innovative instructional strategies including the use of educational technologies in schools and preservice teacher preparation. Experience in postgraduate supervision will be an added advantage.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 and obtain evidence-based empirical data on the innovative instructional strategies and curriculum innovations in science education.
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 for them.
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.Eligibility Criteria:
Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein Campus.
Graduated with a PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the past five years.
Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 85% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS.Value of the fellowship:
R 240,000 annual fellowship.
R 30,000 additional research expenses fund.Job Requirements:Application:
To apply, please email the following documentation to Prof. Maria Tsakeni at tsakenim@ufs.ac.za by 15 November 2024:
Motivation letter, including a 12 page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly outputs.
Full transcripts of academic record and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
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.Closing date:
15 November 2024.Commencement of fellowship:
01 January 2025.For enquiries, please contact:
Prof Maria Tsakeni: Email: tsakenim@ufs.ac.za Office: +27 51 401 7631; Cell: +27 78 640 3218General:
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).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.

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