12 September 2022

An opportunity for three postdoctoral research fellows at CREST and SciSTIP (The NRF-DSI Centre of Excellence in Scientometrics and STI Policy) is currently available. Two post-doctoral fellowships are available in the general fields of science, technology and innovation studies with a focus on bibliometric and scientometric analysis. One post-doctoral fellowship is available for a candidate in the field of monitoring and evaluation studies.

Postdoctoral fellowships in science, technology and innovation studies
Successful applicants will be required to work as part of a team (led by Professor Johann Mouton) on projects in one or more of the following fields: higher education knowledge production, bibliometrics and scientometrics, and research impact and innovation. The specific requirements for these positions are the following:
• A PhD, received within the last five years, in any discipline. It will be a recommendation if the PhD is in one of the following disciplines: Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science, Physics, Engineering, Agriculture, Mathematics, Statistics or any other discipline with a strong quantitative core.
• Skills in advanced quantitative data analysis (e.g. regression models, cluster analysis, structural equation modelling, social network analysis).
• Experience working with big relational data base systems (e.g. developing, querying) will be a recommendation.
• Advanced skills in standardised programming language (e.g. R, SQL, Python) will be a recommendation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in scientific writing as demonstrated by published scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• A healthy interest either in conducting research and analysis on the South African science and innovation system.

Postdoctoral fellowship in monitoring and evaluation studies
The successful applicants will be required to work as part of a team (led by Dr. Lauren Wildschut) on projects on the M&E landscape in Africa, evaluation in the public sector, evaluator competencies and other relevant topics in M&E. The specific requirements for this position are the following:
• A PhD received within the last five years. It will be a recommendation if the PhD is in one of the following disciplines: Evaluation studies, Public Management Policy studies and the Social Sciences in general.
• Skills in advanced quantitative data analysis (e.g. regression models, cluster analysis, structural equation modelling, social network analysis)
• High proficiency in the latest software both for quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• A healthy interest in conducting research and analysis of M&E practices and systems on the African continent.
• Demonstrated proficiency in scientific writing as demonstrated by published scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.

General
The fellowships are available for a period of two years and are renewable subject to performance and available funding.

Applications
Applicants must download an application form, and submit the completed form to Marthie van Niekerk. The form must be accompanied by a comprehensive curriculum vitae, which includes a full list of publications and the names and contact details of two referees. Applicants should request their referees to forward confidential reports directly to the same email address by the closing date.

Closing date for application is 29 September 2022.

The University reserves the right not to fill the position.
The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.