Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Food Security

Type:

• Postdoctoral research fellowship linked to the research niche area: Food Security (Resilient Food Systems). The fellowship is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Minimum Requirements:

• A PhD in Agricultural Economics or a closely related discipline (e.g., Resource Economics, Environmental Economics, Development Economics, Food Security, or Rural Development) obtained within the last five (5) years.
• Demonstrated research expertise in food and nutrition security, resilient food systems, climate-smart agriculture, climate adaptation, or sustainable agricultural development, supported by a strong publication record in peer reviewed journals.
• Proficiency in research design, quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, and statistical/econometric software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, EViews, R, or similar), with experience in scientific writing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary and international research teams.
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork and engage with diverse stakeholders, including government, industry, farming communities, and development partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality interdisciplinary research on resilient food systems, climate change adaptation, as well as food and nutrition security in line with the project's objectives.
• Design and implement research activities, including data collection, management, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings.
• Publish high-quality research outputs in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to policy briefs, technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and engage with academic, government, industry, and community stakeholders to promote evidence-based policy and practice.
• Contribute to the development of research proposals and support initiatives to secure external research funding.
• Assist in the supervision and mentorship of postgraduate students and contribute to capacity-building activities.
• Participate in project management activities, including ethics compliance, progress reporting, and knowledge dissemination.
• Promote the translation of research into innovative, climate-resilient solutions that strengthen sustainable food systems and enhance long-term food and nutrition security.

Desired attributes:

• A strong interest in advancing climate-resilient agriculture, food systems, and sustainable development.
• Commitment to research excellence, innovation, and societal impact.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research teams.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.

Expected outputs:

During the fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to produce:

• At least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship.
• Several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• At least one competitive external research grant application.
• Research reports for stakeholders.
• Contributions to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development.
• Collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team.
• Participation in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University.