Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Department of Animal Science
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Animal Welfare and Behaviour (one year, renewable up to three years) (Job ID: 6628)

The Department of Animal Science at the University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Animal Welfare and Behaviour.
The successful candidate will join our research environment focusing on animal welfare, behaviour, physiology, and sustainable livestock production systems. The fellowship offers an opportunity for an outstanding doctoral graduate to develop an independent research profile while working under the mentorship of researchers within the Department of Animal Science.

Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Farm animal welfare assessment and auditing
  • Behavioural indicators of animal welfare
  • Physiological responses to stress in livestock and poultry
  • Welfare implications of housing, management, transport, and slaughter systems
  • Human-animal interactions and stockmanship
  • Precision livestock farming technologies for welfare monitoring
  • Welfare and behaviour in conventional, extensive, and emerging livestock production systems
  • Animal welfare, meat quality, and product quality relationships
  • One Welfare and sustainable livestock production

The fellowship will be awarded on a competitive basis, considering the applicant's academic achievements, publication record, research experience, and future research potential.
The fellowship is initially awarded for one year and may be renewed annually for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Duties and responsibilities:
• Conduct innovative and impactful research in animal welfare and behaviour.
• Develop and participate in research projects involving livestock and poultry species.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret behavioural, physiological, and welfare data.
• Publish research findings in accredited peer-reviewed journals.
• Author or co-author a minimum of three (3) DHET-accredited publication outputs per year.
• Assist with postgraduate student supervision and research mentoring where appropriate.
• Contribute to the development of research proposals and funding applications.
• Establish collaborative networks with national and international researchers.
• Participate in departmental research activities, seminars, and postgraduate training initiatives.
• Submit annual progress reports as required for fellowship renewal.

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 a relative field but preferably Animal Science, Animal Behaviour, Veterinary Science, Animal Welfare Science, Livestock Production, Physiology, or a related discipline.
• Have obtained their doctoral degree within the last five years.
• Demonstrate evidence of research productivity through peer-reviewed publications.
• Possess strong quantitative, analytical, and scientific writing skills.
• Be willing to participate in multidisciplinary and collaborative research projects.
• Not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship period.
• Relocate to Bloemfontein for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship, and the successful candidate will be expected to spend at least 80% of their time at the University of the Free State.

Application:
To apply, please email the following documentation by 30 November 2026 to Ms. Neriche Green at GreenNAK@ufs.ac.za and cc Animal Division Head Prof Errol Cason at CasonED@ufs.ac.za
• A motivation letter, including a 1-2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience
• A full CV, including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly output.
• Full transcripts of academic record and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.

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

Closing date:
30 November 2026

Commencement of fellowship:
As soon as possible

General:
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.