Faculty of Law
UFS Research Chair in Poverty, Rights and Democracy, Free State Centre for Human Rights
Bloemfontein Campus
Senior Lecturer/Researcher (1 x position) (Contract appointment: 5 years)
Job ID: 6647

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
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INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:
• Conduct research and produce accredited publications in the Research Chair’s focus area of poverty, rights and democracy.
• Conceptualise and initiate collaborative and inter-, trans- or multidisciplinary research projects related to the Research Chair’s focus area.
• Initiate and participate in fundraising for the Research Chair.
• Initiate, coordinate and teach in postgraduate diplomas and short learning programmes within the Research Chair’s area of focus.
• Teach in the FSCHR’s Master of Human Rights.
• Supervise postgraduate students at Masters and doctoral level, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Participate in the Research Chair’s engaged scholarship activities, including advocacy and
impact litigation.

Inherent requirements:
Senior Lecturer / Researcher
• A doctoral degree (LLD, PhD/DPhil) at NQF Level 10 obtained based on a thesis in the Chair’s focus area of poverty, rights and democracy or a closely related field.
• A substantial body of accredited publications (at least 6) in the Chair’s focus area of poverty, rights and democracy or a related field.
• Substantial experience in presenting papers at scholarly conferences/workshops/seminars/colloquia.
• At least six months' experience of teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
• Experience of postgraduate supervision at both Masters and doctoral level, with at least one Masters or doctoral student supervised to graduation.
• Demonstrable experience in participating in collaborative, trans-, inter- and/or multidisciplinary research projects.

Recommendations:
• Postdoctoral experience working in research at a university.
• A demonstrable interest in and focus on legal theory, in addition to doctrinal or empirical work in the focus area of the Chair.
• Experience in applying for research funding.
• Experience of navigating university financial and administrative systems.
• Experience in arranging academics events such as conferences, workshops, seminars, colloquia or public lectures.
• Membership of an international and local scholarly community.

Required competencies:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
- The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties:
01 January 2027 or As soon as possible

Closing date:
3 November 2026

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2979 or email JardineS@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 / 9848 / 2876 for assistance.

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 Plan 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.