The School of Applied Business Analytics and Decision Making (Mahikeng Campus) within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the North-West University has a 2-year position for a post-doctoral researcher to initiate and execute Information Systems research projects, which relate to the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Machine learning, social media, or smart cities, and many others. The applicant will be based at the Mahikeng campus to increase research outputs in one or more of the mentioned fields.

As part of a strong research team, the successful candidate must demonstrate experience in securing research project funding and article publications. The position can be extended for another year if the scholarly output is exceptional. The North-West University offers a stimulating working environment, in which the successful applicant will be mentored by a senior researcher. In addition to research outputs, the successful candidate will mentor Information Systems master’s and PhD students in support of supervisors and engage in other activities as directed by the mentor.

Core responsibilities:

• Conceptualise, design, and lead high-impact research projects aligned with Information Systems strategic priorities, particularly in the mentioned areas of research above for innovation and social impact
• Publish in high-ranked, impactful journals and present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with faculty and industry partners on interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Mentor students and enrich the curriculum through guest lectures, workshops, and postgraduate supervision.

Preferred expertise:

• Experience with Generative AI tools and frameworks (e.g., LLMs).
• Experience in interdisciplinary or industry-linked research.
• Experience in curriculum innovation or digital pedagogy design.

Requirements:

• PhD in Information Systems, Computer Science, and a related field, obtained in the last five years, with expertise and research outputs related to artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Machine learning, social media, and smart cities.
• Proven track record of publications in top-quality journals (DHET Accredited Journals).
• Evidence of a previous or funded project will be an added advantage.
• Fluent in both written and spoken English.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

A panel of researchers will remotely interview applicants who adhere to the criteria. The appointment is from 1 February 2027 (or as per the agreement).

Inclusions:

The stipend is per the university’s post-doctoral fellowship position scale (R320 000 pa, tax-free). The successful candidate will receive a dedicated office near the post-doctoral mentors and School of Applied Business Analytics and Decision Making staff members. The post-doctoral fellow's office will have all the amenities necessary for effective outputs. The fellowship is a full-time, two-year contract, for which annual renewal of the fellowship is subject to satisfactory progress. The extension of the fellowship can be negotiated when exceptional performance has been demonstrated, and additional funding is available.

Exclusions:

School of Applied Business Analytics and Decision Making, as well as the Department of Information Systems and the NWU, are not responsible for arranging or paying for accommodation, personal travel, or any other expenses relating to the post-doctoral fellow agreement.

Application instructions:

The application should be written in English and must include the following documents:

• Motivation letter summarising the applicant’s

1) professional experience,

2) expertise in focus areas,

3) description of interest in the position,

4) expected contribution to the Information systems research area

• A research plan for the next two years related to the focus areas
• A curriculum vitae (maximum five pages)
• A copy of an identification document (RSA ID or passport)
• A detailed list of publications
• Names and complete contact information of two references
• Certified copy of PhD degree/evidence of completion
• Electronic copy of PhD thesiFollowing a paper selection, the three top candidates, based on the position's eligibility criteria and requirements, will be interviewed virtually by a panel of researchers. The appointment is from 1 December 2026 (or based on the agreement).

Please send all required application details to Prof Joshua Chukwuere at josh.chukwuere@nwu.ac.za by 30 October 2026.

For additional enquiries, please contact Prof Lucius Botes at Lucius.botes@nwu.ac.za