Postdoctoral call on “Migration in the Afromontane”: Exploring intersections with entrepreneurship and sustainable development in QwaQwa, Free State, South Africa

The Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) has established an inter-and trans-disciplinary research project titled: “Migration in the Afromontane”: Exploring intersections with entrepreneurship in QwaQwa, Free State, South Africa. The study will feed into a wider collaborative research programme between the University of the Free State, QwaQwa Campus, and Japan’s Akita International University, Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Global Studies Program, which aims to establish a sustainability science hub on the QwaQwa campus. The programme links the rural mountainous communities of QwaQwa, in the Free State province, South Africa, and Gojome town, in Akita Prefecture, Japan, through a trans-local learning approach. Trans-local learning is created by linking (trans-) different localities (local). Trans-disciplinary, trans-local approaches grounded in Sustainability Science, have the potential to create nuanced knowledge about global sustainability challenges, such as migration.

Research Focus: A two-year postdoctoral position is available in the department of Geography at the University of the Free State, QwaQwa campus. The postdoc will work with an interdisciplinary team examining the links between migration, entrepreneurship and sustainable development in QwaQwa. The position falls under the UFS-QwaQwa Risk & Vulnerability Science Centre (RVSC), funded by the NRF. The postdoctoral research associate will be expected to analyze both qualitative interview/focus group data and quantitative survey data, help lead deliberative stakeholder workshops, conduct literature reviews and employ sociological theories related to migration, entrepreneurship and sustainable development, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and presentations at professional meetings. The call presents an excellent opportunity for high-achieving researchers to be part of an innovative, internationally collaborative social science research project.

Eligibility:  1. Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged individuals; 2. A PhD degree in a relevant background discipline (e.g. Sustainability Science, Geography, or motivated other); 3. Field-work experience in rural communities; 4. Driven, disciplined, able to work as a member of a team, and be able to set and meet own deadlines; 5. A proficiency in English, both verbal and written, is required; 6. A valid driver’s license is preferable.

How to Apply:

Applications should be submitted to Dr Melissa Hansen (hansenmm@ufs.ac.za) by 15 July 2021, with the following:

1. A one-page Letter of Motivation (which includes why you are interested in this project, relevant experience, and any areas of particular interest); 2. Full CV; 3. Academic Transcripts; 4. Copy of ID or Passport (latter if a foreign applicant).

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by telephone/Skype. Applicants who do not hear any response to their application by 25 July 2021 can assume that they have not been successful. The UFS reserves the right to re-advertise for this post if a suitable candidate is not found.