The North-West University (NWU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Law within the Faculty of Law, based at the Potchefstroom Campus. This opportunity is offered under the Outer Space and Cyberlaw Research Niche, with mentorship and supervision by Prof W. Erlank.
This prestigious fellowship is ideal for early-career scholars with a strong research background in Space Law, Cyber Law, IT and Technology Law, and emerging digital legal fields.
Closing date: 31 December 2025
Commencement date: 1 February 2026
About the Postdoctoral Fellowship
The fellowship is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory academic progress. The successful candidate will contribute to high-impact research within cutting-edge legal domains that intersect law, technology, and innovation.
Research Niche Areas
Applicants should propose research aligned with one or more of the following fields:
- Outer Space Law
- Cyber Law and IT / Technology Law
- The Metaverse and Virtual Worlds
- Digital Assets
- Artificial Intelligence Law
- Property law aspects related to emerging technologies
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- LLD/PhD in Space Law, Cyber Law, IT Law, or a closely related field
- At least two (2) published academic outputs, such as:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Book chapters
- Conference proceedings
Fellowship Value and Duration
- NRF Fellowship Amount: R249,600 per annum (non-taxable)
- Duration: 1 year, renewable subject to satisfactory progress
- Remuneration: In line with NWU policy guidelines
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online only via the official NWU vacancy portal. Applications submitted via email or any other platform will not be considered.
👉 Click here to apply for the NWU Postdoctoral Fellowship in Law
https://nwu.ci.hr/applicant/index.php?controller=Listings&method=view&listingid=3f3492e6-91d1-467c-9afc-11e607fe3356
Required Application Documents
- Detailed CV
- Two reference letters
- Certified copies of LLD/PhD certificate
- Copy of LLD/PhD thesis
- Copies of publications or links to publications
- A 2-page proposal outlining the envisaged postdoctoral research
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Employment Equity
NWU subscribes to the principles of the Employment Equity Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups, in line with the NWU Employment Equity Plan.
Enquiries
Prof W. Erlank
Email: Wian.Erlank@nwu.ac.za
Tel: +27 18 299 1932
Important Notes
- NWU reserves the right not to make an appointment
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- If you are not contacted within two months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful