Call for Applications: for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Mining, Migration and Regional Development, Application Deadline- 10 April 2026
Host Institution: University of the Free State
Supervisor: Prof. Lochner Marais
Duration: 2–3 years (subject to performance and funding conditions)
The University of the Free State invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the field of mining, migration and regional development. The fellowship forms part of a broader research programme examining the social, demographic, and developmental impacts of extractive industries in Southern Africa.
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Lochner Marais and contribute to a research agenda focusing on migration dynamics, labour mobility, settlement patterns, and socio-economic outcomes in mining regions. The fellowship will involve quantitative and/or qualitative research on migration processes associated with extractive economies, including labour migration, inequality, access to services, and regional development.
Minimum Requirements
• A PhD (completed within the last five years) in Population Studies, Sociology, Geography, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research interest in migration, labour mobility, inequality, or regional development.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including quantitative and/or qualitative methods.
• Evidence of academic writing potential (e.g., publications, working papers, or thesis outputs).
Fellowship Support
The fellowship will provide a competitive postdoctoral stipend, access to institutional research infrastructure, and opportunities to participate in international research networks.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit the following documents:
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• A cover letter outlining research interests and fit with the fellowship theme
• Contact details of two academic referees
• Please send applications to Prof Lochner Marais at maraisJGL@ufs.ac.za by 10 April 2026.
For more details, refer here
