The University of the Free State (UFS) has officially opened applications for two prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellowships within the Faculty of Theology and Religion, starting in March 2026. These fellowships are ideal for early-career scholars seeking to build a strong academic research profile in religion, theology, ecology, and interdisciplinary studies.
Each fellowship is awarded for one year, renewable for up to three years, and offers a competitive annual value of R300 000, making this one of the most attractive postdoctoral opportunities in South Africa.
📍 Location: Bloemfontein Campus
📅 Closing Date: 30 January 2026
📆 Commencement: 01 March 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Available Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities at UFS
1. Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Department of Religion Studies
Job ID: 6319
Faculty: Theology and Religion
Department: Religion Studies
Research Focus Areas
Successful candidates will conduct innovative research with a focus on:
- African Spirituality
- Religion and Ecology
This fellowship is ideal for scholars working at the intersection of religion, culture, environmental ethics, and African knowledge systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct original, high-impact research
- Publish at least 3 DHET-accredited outputs per year
- Initiate research projects and apply for funding
- Participate in postgraduate and departmental research activities
- Submit annual progress reports for renewal consideration
Eligibility Requirements
- PhD in Religion Studies (completed within the last 5 years)
- Open to South African and international applicants
- Must not hold full-time salaried employment
- Willingness to relocate to UFS (residential fellowship)
- Must spend at least 80% of the fellowship period at UFS
Fellowship Value
- R270 000 annual fellowship
- R30 000 research expenses fund
How to Apply
Email the following documents to Prof. Zoro Dube at dubez@ufs.ac.za:
- Motivation letter (including a 1–2 page outline of expertise & experience)
- Full CV with publication list
- Academic transcripts and PhD certificate
- Copy of ID or passport
- Contact details of two academic referees
2. Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Religion, Community and Ecologies (CIRRCE)
Job ID: 6317
Centre: CIRRCE
Faculty: Theology and Religion
Research Focus Areas
Applicants must conduct research in at least one of the following:
- Theology of Technology
- Theology and Religion in conversation with the Eco-Humanities
- Theology and Philosophies of Embodiment
This fellowship is ideal for scholars working in interdisciplinary, contemporary, and socially engaged theology.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce 3 accredited research outputs per year
- Initiate and manage funded research projects
- Support CIRRCE’s research activities
- Participate in postgraduate and institutional research structures
Eligibility Requirements
- PhD in a relevant discipline (completed within the last 5 years)
- Open to South African and international applicants
- Must relocate to UFS (residential fellowship)
- May not hold full-time salaried employment
- Foreign qualifications must be SAQA evaluated
Fellowship Value
- R270 000 annual fellowship
- R30 000 research expenses fund
How to Apply
Email your application to Dr Calvin Ullrich at UllrichCD@ufs.ac.za, including:
- Motivation letter (1–2 page expertise outline)
- Full academic CV with publications
- Transcripts and PhD certificate
- Copy of ID or passport
- SAQA Certificate (if qualification obtained outside SA)
- Contact details of two academic referees
Why Consider a Postdoctoral Fellowship at UFS?
The University of the Free State is a research-intensive institution committed to:
- Academic excellence
- Interdisciplinary scholarship
- Equity, diversity, and redress
- Supporting early-career researchers
Postdoctoral fellows at UFS gain:
- Time and funding to publish high-impact research
- Access to research networks and funding opportunities
- Strong institutional research support structures
Preference will be given to underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities, in line with UFS’s Employment Equity Plan.
Important Notes
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Communication will be with shortlisted candidates only
- If you are not contacted within 6 weeks after closing, consider your application unsuccessful
- UFS processes personal information in line with POPIA
Closing Date Reminder
🗓 30 January 2026
📩 Apply early to avoid last-minute delays.
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