MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A PhD obtained within the last five years in one of the following or related fields:

o    Education / Higher Education Studies

o    Educational Technology / Technology-Enhanced Learning

o    Learning Sciences

o    Instructional Design

o    Computer Science (with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, or Educational Applications)

• Expertise in one or more of the focus areas, evidenced by research projects and publications.
• Strong research methodological skills in quantitative and qualitative research designs.
• Fluent in writing and spoken English.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Collaborative mindset.
• The successful candidate must be based in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.

Research Focus areas:

• Artificial Intelligence in education (e.g. generative AI, AI literacy, AI ethics, AI-enabled assessment).
• Digital assessment and academic integrity in the age of AI.
• Serious games and gamification for learning.
• Learning analytics and data-informed teaching.
• Innovative technology integration in teaching and learning.
• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).
• Digital transformation in higher education.
• Human-AI collaboration in teaching and learning environments.
• Immersive learning.

Core responsibilities:

• Conceptualise, design, and lead high-impact research projects aligned with TELIT-SA’s strategic priorities, particularly in AI-driven teaching, learning, and assessment innovation.
• Publish in high-ranked, impactful journals and present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with faculty and industry partners on interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Mentor students and enrich the curriculum through guest lectures, workshops and postgraduate. supervision.

Preferred expertise:

• Experience with Generative AI tools and frameworks (e.g. LLMs in education).
• Experience in interdisciplinary or industry-linked research.
• Experience in curriculum innovation or digital pedagogy design.
• Technology enhanced teaching and learning.
• Statistical analysis.
• Mixed method research.

Inclusions:

The stipend is per the university’s post-doctoral fellowship position scale (R320 000 pa, tax-free). The successful candidate will receive a dedicated office near the post-doctoral mentors and School of Management Sciences staff members. The post-doctoral fellow's office will have all the amenities necessary for effective outputs. The fellowship is a full-time, two-year contract, for which annual renewal of the fellowship is subject to satisfactory progress. The extension of the fellowship can be negotiated when exceptional performance has been demonstrated and additional funding is available.

Exclusions:

TELIT-SA Research focus area and the NWU are not responsible for arranging or paying for accommodation, personal travel or any other expenses relating to the post-doctoral fellow agreement.

Application instructions:

The application should be written in English and must include the following documents:

• Motivation letter summarising the applicant’s.
• Professional experience. 
• Expertise in focus areas.
• Description of interest in the position.
• Expected contribution to the TELIT-SA Research entity.
• A research plan for the next two years related to the focus areas.
• A curriculum vitae (maximum five pages).
• A copy of an identification document (RSA ID or passport).
• A detailed list of publications.
• Names and complete contact information of two references.
• Certified copy of PhD degree/evidence of completion.
• Electronic copy of PhD thesis.

Following a paper selection, the three top candidates, based on the position's eligibility criteria and requirements, will be interviewed virtually by a panel of researchers. The appointment is from 1 January 2027 (or based on the agreement).

Please send all required application details to Mrs Memory Smit (TELIT-SA Administrative Officer): Memory.Smit@nwu.ac.za.

Applications close on 3 November 2026.

For additional enquiries, please contact Prof Lucius Botes at Lucius.botes@nwu.ac.za