Postdoctoral Fellowship Research : Community-Based Educational Research (COMBER)

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Vanderbijlpark

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the advertised appointment level and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Introduction

Suitable candidates are invited to apply for the position of a postdoctoral fellow at the Community-Based Educational Research Focus Area within the Faculty of Education at the North-West University (NWU), South Africa. This postdoctoral fellowship is funded by the North-West University and is a one-year position, but the contract can be extended for up to three years, subject to satisfactory performance during the previous year. The Research Focus Area will host the appointed fellow, who will be expected to reside in Vanderbijlpark for the duration of the contract. Information on COMBER is available at COMBER and for even more information on the North-West University, please visit NWU.

Job Description

COMBER defines research as a partnership of students and community members who collaboratively engage in research to solve a pressing educational problem to generate knowledge, skills and processes that will enhance sustainable learning and development. As such, the methodology that is most suited is action research that allows us to do research with people, rather than on them. It is crucial for university partners to listen to a community and learn how they explain the problem and envisage solutions. Research conducted in this way becomes educative in that participants in the process also learn how to communicate effectively and improve their self-esteem and confidence and ability to collaborate with others to create ways to enhance their own lives.

Minimum Requirements

The postdoctoral fellow:

• must have completed a doctoral degree related to education research within the last five years at a university other than the North-West University;
• must be willing to significantly contribute to the research outputs related to the central scholarly focus of the Research Focus Area;
• must demonstrate evidence of scholarly performance including a relevant publication record preferably ISI-listed or IBSS-listed journal articles;
• must demonstrate English language proficiency, as well as sound conceptual and writing skills.

APPLICATION

To apply for this contract engagement, please provide via email the following documentation:

• a motivation letter for the research you are interested in pursuing in the research entity (Indicate your research focus/interest);
• a detailed CV including your journal articles/relevant publication record;
• the names and contact details of three contactable referees;
• a copy of your PhD qualification;
• A certified copy of ID or Passport.

Kindly submit the above-listed documents to Ms Nthabiseng Mohobe (Administrative Assistant – COMBER Focus Area): Nthabiseng.Mohobe@nwu.ac.za.

As part of your motivation letter, you may nominate a potential mentor from the membership of the COMBER Research Focus Area COMBER Unit Member.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

15 March 2025 @ 14:00

DATE OF EMPLOYMENT: Will be discussed with the successful candidate. It is expected that the successful applicant to occupy the position as soon as possible after the appointment. The contract will be valid from the 1st of the arrival month agreed upon.

WEBSITE FOR JOB

http://www.nwu.ac.za/vacancies

CONTACT INFORMATION

Prof Mariëtte Koen
Acting Director: COMBER Focus Area
Faculty of Education
North-West University
Potchefstroom, South Africa
Phone number: 27 (0) 18 285 2278