Postdoctoral Research Fellows Programme

Purpose

The Postdoctoral Research Programme at UJ was established as part of the University’s broader strategy to bolster its research capacity for enhanced research excellence.  ​​A postdoctoral fellowship is a transitionary phase, intended to bridge the gap from doctoral graduation to employment. As such the main aim of the fellowship is to fast track further development and honing of PDRFs’ research and professional skills in preparation for future academic or another professional career. Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are awarded to individuals within five years of receiving a doctoral degree for the purpose of engaging in a period of dedicated research.

Admission Requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral Fellowship, the following criteria will be considered during the selection process:

–  Candidates must be available for full-time research at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
–  The doctorate should have been obtained in the last five (5) years. Should the Doctoral degree certificate not be available yet, a formal letter from the previous university confirming completion of the Doctoral degree will be required.
–  Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis, taking the Applicant’s academic achievements and good motivation as researchers into account. Publications weigh heavily in the assessment of applications. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that a full list of their publications is included in the CV section of the application form.
–  As the fellowship is principal to enable the PDRFs to focus on their research, the fellowship holder may not hold full-time salaried employment concurrently with a tenure of the fellowship but may undertake a maximum of twelve hours of co-supervision, teaching, or assistance to Postgraduate students per week on average during the year of fellowship.
–  All awardees will be required to enter into a signed agreement with the University of Johannesburg.
–  Citizenship is not restricted.
–  Foreign Postdoctoral Research Fellows are required to do the necessary translations on their qualification records/exam transcripts and obtain (where relevant) SAQA accreditation before submitting their applications.
–  All Postdoctoral Research Fellows are required to apply for external funding during the first year of their fellowship with any external funder. They must submit proof of having applied for external funding with the Vice-Dean: Research in their respective faculties.

More Information

• An increase in research output,
• Access to new research ideas an stimulus of current research programs,
• Support and strengthening in existing research programmes through research and publications,
• A strengthening of the internationalisation agenda,
• The building and strengthening of networks with institutions from which the PDRFs come and those to which they will go,
• Support in academic tasks that align with the PDRFs development, and
• A potential resource to support and co-supervise or supervise research students.

• An opportunity to expand their research skills from those acquired during their doctoral studies,
• An opportunity to expand and strengthen their professional competencies and skills in preparation for academic or research careers,
• An opportunity for UJ doctoral candidates to publish their doctoral research, and
• An opportunity to build professional networks.​