University of Limpopo invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for Postdoctoral Research Fellowship positions 2026.
Fellowship Application Closing Date: 24 July 2026
Fellowship Location: University of Limpopo, Limpopo, South Africa
About University of Limpopo Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026
The University of Limpopo (UL) is inviting applications for two (2) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship positions under the DSTI/NRF South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) in Liberation Heritage and Politics.
The fellowships are hosted in the Faculty of Humanities and are aimed at strengthening the University’s research and intellectual environment.
The programme also provides structured postdoctoral training for recent doctoral graduates by supporting advanced research skills, publication output, community-engaged scholarship and preparation for academic careers.
Fellowship Details
Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Number of Posts: 2
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities
Research Chair: DSTI/NRF SARChI in Liberation Heritage and Politics
Duration: 2 years
Commencement: As soon as possible
About the SARChI Research Focus
Linked to SDG 4: Quality Education, the Chair seeks to move beyond the traditional view of liberation as a closed historical chapter.
Instead, the Chair positions liberation heritage as a living data set derived from empirical archives and indigenous oralities.
This approach enables the Chair to explore contemporary citizenship and the future of African society, using Limpopo Province as a critical empirical laboratory in the study of liberation heritage and politics.
Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants must have:
- PhD degree, NQF Level 10, in Politics, History, African Studies or a related field
- PhD completed within the last five years
- Evidence of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications
- Demonstrated interest in African liberation heritage and politics
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Good computer and data management skills
- Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
Duties and Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be expected to:
- Conduct high-quality interdisciplinary research aligned with the SARChI agenda
- Publish in DHET-accredited journals and peer-reviewed books
- Contribute to SARChI community engagement projects
- Participate in empirical fieldwork research in different settings
- Assist with postgraduate supervision and mentorship
- Support grant proposal development
- Support national and international research collaborations
- Contribute to policy briefs and knowledge translation outputs
- Participate in seminars and activities that promote a strong research culture
- Comply with research ethics, governance and data management requirements
- Represent the SARChI Chair at academic forums and conferences, where appropriate
Application Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Cover letter clearly indicating the post being applied for
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae with full names, addresses, contact details and email address
- Contact numbers of three referees
- Certified copies of all qualifications
- Matric / Grade 12 Certificate
- Academic transcripts
- South African ID or Passport
How to apply
Applications must be emailed to:
Use the following subject line:
Application for University of Limpopo Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026
Enquiries
For enquiries regarding conditions of service, applicants may contact:
Contact Person: Ms NA Mbatsane
Telephone: 015 268 2800
Important Notes
Applicants with foreign qualifications are responsible for having their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority.
Failure to submit the requested documents and information will result in the application not being considered.
The University of Limpopo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All appointments will be made in accordance with the University’s Employment Equity Policy.
Preference for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions will be given to:
- Male applicants: Africans and Indians
- Female applicants: Africans
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Applicants who have not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.