Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Agricultural& Environmental Economics

Forthare is offering a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Agricultural & Environmental Economics at the University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape, South Africa, for 2026-2028. Candidates should have a recent doctorate in the relevant field and must be prepared for extensive travel and fieldwork. The fellowship lasts 24 months, with potential for extension, and requires submission of research papers during the tenure.
DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

(On behalf of the Department of Agricultural & Environmental Economics)
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Agricultural & Environmental Economics 2026-2028

Description: The SARChI Chair in Circular Economy: Leveraging Smart Technologies for Sustainable Ecologies, Food Security and Climate Resilience at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa seeks to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow with strong agricultural & environmental economics background. The fellowship involves extensive travelling and field work. Possession of a Code B driver’s license will be an added advantage.

Requirements:


The successful candidate will preferably have a doctorate, completed in the last five years, in Agricultural Economics or Environmental Economics.at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad.
If not yet in possession of a doctoral degree, they need to submit a written statement from the Registrar (or equivalent) at the issuing University confirming that they satisfactorily fulfilled the University’s requirements for a doctoral degree at the time of application for a postdoctoral research fellowship. Details of the qualification and expected date of graduation should be included in the statement.
The successful candidate may not be in the employment of UFH (including Time on Task) at the time of taking the postdoctoral fellowship.
The successful candidate may not be employed in any other institution/company during their postdoctoral fellowship.
The successful candidate may be of any age, gender or nationality (subject only to the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs)
Preference will be given to South African females

Conditions:


By the end of their first year, the PDRF is expected to have submitted papers amounting to 2 units for review on the topic of their postdoctoral research which meets the following minimum requirements
PDRF extending into their second and subsequent years are expected to have published (or have in-press) 2 units. All papers must be on the topic of the postdoctoral research and details of the papers must be submitted by the host to the PGS office by the end of each renewal year.

Project requirements:


Demonstrate relevant experience and understanding of the Circular Economy, Food and Nutrition Security, Agroecosystem and Climate Change.
Evidence of relevant publications in the environmental economics domain.
Proficiency in advanced environmental econometrics modeling.

Application Details: Full CV (including publications), motivation letter (2-3 pages long), and proof of completion of doctorate. On the subject line write Agricultural Economics, applications to be sent to Mr. Mandilakhe Qelesile at [email protected] and copy Ms. Babalwa Solani at [email protected]/ [email protected]
Duration: The fellowship is valid for 24 months from the month of arrival and may be extended with evidence of good progress.
For queries contact: Prof Amon Taruvinga ([email protected]) and ccDr L Gwala ([email protected]).


NOTE:

Applications will be treated in order of arrival and with the highest degree of confidentiality.
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing, preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards the achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile.
The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment.



Closing date: 17 July 2026