Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Regenerative Grazing practices, Grazing management systems

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship:
Regenerative Grazing practices, Grazing management systems (1-year contract, renewable up to 3 years) (Job )

Bloemfontein Campus – Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Contract

Temporary

31/7/2026

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 and 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.

• 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 or 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 UFS in Bloemfontein and participate in relevant activities of the Centre for Graduate Support and the Directorate of Research.

• 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.
• Must be able to relocate to UFS in Bloemfontein for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the applicant must spend at least 80% of the postdoctoral period at UFS.
• A valid driver’s licence is advantageous (attach a copy).

• R 270,000 annual fellowship.
• R 30,000 additional research expenses fund.

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 under‑represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities.