The Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre (RVSC) at the University of Limpopo seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Social Sciences field. In addition to conducting research, the postdoctoral researcher would be expected to assist with the supervision of postgraduate students. Currently, the centre is excelling in global climate change research and the training of MSc and Ph.D. candidates. Communities are profoundly impacted by climate change; consequently, a significant proportion of the centre’s research is community-based.
The need for a Social Scientist has arisen because our research must have a significant societal impact. Policymakers and funding organizations at the national and international levels are paying a great deal of attention to the societal impact of scientific research. In light of the current research at the centre, there is an urgent need to determine the extent of their social impact.
The following are some of the ongoing research projects that need an assessment of their societal impact:
1. Climate-smart agricultural technologies
2. The impact of Land Use and Land cover changes on water quality
3. Land degradation neutrality in local communities
4. Virtual fencing techniques to manage overgrazing in rural communities.
5. Waste management in communities
The Postdoctoral researcher will not be limited to these projects but would also be required to come up with his or her own research which is aligned with the centre’s research focus.
Requirements
The applicant must have:
1) A Ph.D. degree in social science or related field, which includes;
2) Experience in qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis techniques,
3) Publication record and
4) A proven record of community and engagement projects.
Application procedure
Applications must be submitted to Ms. Flora Sofoko at flora.sefoko@ul.ac.za or Dr. Lawrence Munjonji at lawrence.munjonji@ul.ac.za with the following documents:
1. A one-page letter of motivation explaining how you meet the requirements and why you are interested in this fellowship.
2. Full CV with contact details of 3 traceable referees.
3. Academic Certificates and transcripts, SAQA evaluated for those obtained from institutions outside South Africa, a certified copy of ID or Passport, and a valid driver’s license.
Due Date: 24 June 2022
For more information contact:
Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre
Tel: (015) 268 4006/2596
Email:kwabena.ayisi@ul.ac.za