Research Theme Leader: Sustainable Futures (Associate Professor or Professor).The University of the Free State (UFS) is officially accepting applications for the prestigious position of Research Theme Leader: Sustainable Futures. This high-level academic and administrative leadership role is central to the university’s strategic Vision 130, an initiative designed to elevate UFS into a globally engaged, research-led institution.
As part of this transformation, UFS is establishing four flagship signature themes, with “Sustainable Futures” serving as a pillar for research in sustainability, environmental resilience, circular economies, and transdisciplinary green innovation.
Research Theme Leader: Sustainable Futures (Associate Professor or Professor)
Position Overview & Contract Details
- Academic Rank: Appointable at Associate Professor or Full Professor level (based on standard UFS criteria).
- Occupational Level: Middle Management / Academic Leadership.
- Remuneration: A highly competitive senior package commensurate with academic rank, including standard institutional fringe benefits (pension, medical aid, housing allowance, and group life insurance).
Key Responsibilities & Deliverables
The chosen leader will work closely with the UFS Directorate Research Development (DRD) to oversee the entire thematic pipeline:
- Strategic Vision: Draft and execute the foundational roadmap for the Sustainable Futures research block, aligning projects directly with regional frameworks (the South African DSI Decadal Plan, African Union Agenda 2063) and global benchmarks (UN Sustainable Development Goals).
- Funding Acquisition: Proactively target and secure competitive international and domestic research funding from bodies like the National Research Foundation (NRF), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), industry partners, and global philanthropic organizations.
- Transdisciplinary Collaboration: Break down traditional academic silos by fostering high-impact research partnerships across separate faculties (such as Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Humanities, and Economic Management Sciences).
- Mentorship & Capacity Building: Directly supervise postgraduate master’s and doctoral tracks, mentor early-career researchers, and attract global postdoctoral talent to the research block.
- Knowledge Translation: Ensure academic data moves beyond journals into practical, real-world execution by forming strategic alliances with government municipalities, commercial industries, and civic NGOs.
Minimum & Preferred Requirements
To pass the primary institutional screening panel, candidates must satisfy the following criteria:
Essential Criteria:
- A formal PhD degree in Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Development, or a closely related, multi-disciplinary sustainability framework.
- Must meet the full academic benchmarks to be appointed as an Associate Professor or Full Professor at UFS.
- A proven, verifiable history of top-tier peer-reviewed publications and a solid track record of successful postgraduate student completions.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in managing large, multi-disciplinary research teams or complex thematic programs.
- A clear history of successfully securing and administering major external research grants.
Preferred/Advantageous Criteria:
- An active NRF Rating (or equivalent international peer-review recognition).
- Established networking roots inside global sustainability alliances or international think-tanks.
- Familiarity with technology transfer mechanisms, sustainability innovation pipelines, or policy generation.
Application Strategy & Required Documents
Applications must be submitted digitally via the central UFS HR Smart Portal or directed via email.
The Required Onboarding Packet:
- A comprehensive, up-to-date Academic CV.
- A tailored Cover Letter detailing your strategic approach to leading a transdisciplinary theme.
- Certified copies of all Academic Qualifications (Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a formal South African Qualifications Authority [SAQA] evaluation certificate).
- A clear copy of your Identity Document or Passport.
- Proof of relevant professional registrations (where applicable).
Contacts for Submission & Inquiries:
- Applications Email: Submit your completed packet to Mrs. Marianne Vermaak at
VermaakM@ufs.ac.zaor Puseletso Parkie atTeateaPR@ufs.ac.za. - Online Portal: Applications can also be uploaded directly to the UFS Vacancies Website.
- Academic Enquiries: For role-specific queries, you may contact the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Vasu Reddy at
ReddyV@ufs.ac.za(Note: Do not send application documents to this address).
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Meta Title: UFS Vacancy 2026: Research Theme Leader – Sustainable Futures (Prof / Assoc Prof)
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