The University of the Free State (UFS) invites suitably qualified South African and international candidates to apply for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science for 2027.
Fellowship Application Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Fellowship Location: University of the Free State, Bloemfontein Campus, Free State, South Africa
UFS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2027
The University of the Free State is offering a competitive postdoctoral fellowship within the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science.
The opportunity is aimed at researchers interested in building an academic or professional research career, particularly in:
Bayesian modelling
and
Mixed models
The fellowship is initially awarded for one year and may be renewed for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance.
Fellowship Overview
Institution: University of the Free State
Department: Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science
Job ID: 6594
Campus: Bloemfontein Campus
Contract Type: Contract
Occupational Level: Temporary
Initial Duration: One year
Renewal: Renewable for up to three years
Annual Fellowship Value: R270,000
Research Expenses Fund: R30,000
Commencement Date: 02 January 2027
Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Research Focus
The successful fellow will conduct research with a particular focus on Bayesian modelling.
Applicants with experience or a strong research interest in Bayesian methods and mixed models are encouraged to apply.
Selection will take into account academic achievements, publication outputs, research potential and the relevance of the applicant’s previous research experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct innovative research in Bayesian modelling.
The fellow must also produce at least three publication outputs per year in the form of DHET-accredited journal articles or books or book chapters.
Other responsibilities include initiating research projects, seeking research funding, registering and residing as a postdoctoral research fellow at UFS and participating in relevant departmental activities.
Renewal beyond the first year will depend on satisfactory performance and submission of an annual progress report.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have completed a PhD in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
The fellowship is open to:
- South African citizens.
- Foreign nationals.
Applicants must be available for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
Successful candidates may not hold full-time salaried employment while receiving the fellowship.
Applicants must also be willing to relocate to UFS for the duration of the fellowship.
Residential Requirement
This is a residential fellowship.
The successful candidate is expected to spend at least:
80% of the postdoctoral fellowship period at the University of the Free State.
Applicants should therefore be willing and able to relocate to Bloemfontein.
Fellowship Value
The successful candidate will receive:
R270,000 annual fellowship
plus
R30,000 additional research expenses funding
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Motivation letter.
- A 1–2 page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
- Full CV.
- List of research publications.
- Conference papers and other scholarly outputs.
- Full academic transcripts.
- Copy of doctoral degree certificate.
- Copy of South African ID document, or passport for foreign applicants.
- Contact details of two academic referees who have taught or supervised the applicant.
How to Apply for UFS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2027
Applications must be submitted by email to:
Applicants should ensure that all required supporting documents are included before sending the application.
Fellowship Application Closing Date
Applications close on:
18 September 2026
Fellowship Commencement Date
The successful candidate is expected to commence the fellowship on:
02 January 2027
Important Application Notes
The fellowship is highly research-focused and applicants will be assessed on academic performance, publication output, research potential and relevant expertise.
The appointment is initially for one year and may be renewed for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance.
Successful applicants cannot hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship period.