Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Department of Animal Science
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology (1-year contract, renewable up to 3 years)

Job ID: 6552

The Department of Animal Science at the University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology.

Candidates interested in pursuing an academic or professional career in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Rangeland Ecology, Wildlife Monitoring and Sustainable Natural Resource Management are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will join an active multidisciplinary research programme focused on understanding the ecological, biological, nutritional and conservation factors regulating African wildlife populations, with particular emphasis on large herbivores, habitat utilisation, wildlife monitoring, sustainable rangeland management and evidence-based conservation planning.

The fellowship provides an opportunity for a talented doctoral graduate to gain advanced research, teaching and postgraduate supervision experience under the mentorship of established researchers while contributing to internationally recognised research programmes.

The fellowship will be awarded on a competitive basis, considering applicants' academic achievements, publication record, teaching experience, supervisory experience and research potential. The fellowship is available for a period of one year and is renewable annually for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance and the submission of annual progress reports.

Duties and responsibilities:
• Conduct innovative research in wildlife science, wildlife management and conservation biology.
• Contribute to research on wildlife monitoring, habitat assessment, sustainable rangeland management, conservation planning and large herbivore ecology.
• Utilise modern technologies including GPS telemetry, GIS, remote sensing, drones and artificial intelligence within wildlife research programmes.
• Publish a minimum of two peer-reviewed scientific papers per year.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Assist with undergraduate teaching and practical training in Wildlife Science and Wildlife Management.
• Assist with the supervision and mentoring of Honours, MSc and PhD students.
• Contribute to curriculum enhancement and module development.
• Assist with grant applications and research project development.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Free State and participate in relevant activities of the Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Studies.

Eligibility criteria

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
  • Hold a PhD degree in Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Rangeland Science, Animal Science or a closely related discipline.
  • Have obtained their doctoral degree within the last five years.
  • Demonstrate a publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Have experience in wildlife research and field-based ecological studies
  • Demonstrate experience in undergraduate teaching and practical training.
  • Demonstrate the ability to contribute to curriculum development and postgraduate supervision.
  • Possess excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
  • Hold a valid driver's licence (attach a copy).
  • Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship period.
  • Successful applicants must be willing to relocate to Bloemfontein and participate fully in departmental research, teaching and postgraduate activities.

Application:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 21 August 2026 to Prof Francois Deacon at deaconf@ufs.ac.za . Late applications will not be considered.

• Motivation letter detailing research experience, teaching experience, publication record and suitability for the fellowship.
  • Full Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications, conference presentations and other scholarly outputs.
  • Full academic transcripts and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
  • Copy of ID document or passport.
  • Contact details of three academic referees.

Value of the fellowship:
• R 270,000 annual fellowship.
• R 30,000 additional research expenses fund.

Closing date:
21 August 2026

Commencement of fellowship:
01 January 2027

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at : ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.