POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP Community-Based Educational Research (COMBER) Research Focus Area
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
The candidate should provide evidence of a research focus in any one of the following six sub-areas: early childhood development, language development, inclusive education and support services in communities, environmental education for sustainable development, holistic wellbeing in communities, or lifelong learning and development in communities. COMBER defines research as a partnership between students and community members who collaboratively engage in research to address pressing educational challenges, generating knowledge, skills, and processes that enhance sustainable learning and development. The methodology most suited to this approach is action research, which emphasises conducting research with people, rather than on them. It is crucial for university partners to listen to the community and understand how they perceive the problem and envision solutions. Research conducted in this way becomes educative, as participants in the process learn to communicate effectively, improve their self-esteem, and gain confidence, enabling them to collaborate with others and find creative ways to enhance their own lives.
Minimum requirements
· must have completed a doctoral degree related to education research within the last five years at a university other than the North-West University and the focus of the doctoral study should be in one of the following sub-areas: Early childhood development, language development, inclusive education and support services in communities, environmental education for sustainable development, holistic wellbeing in communities, or lifelong learning and development in communities
· 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; and
· 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) a motivation letter for the research you are interested in pursuing in the research entity (Indicate your research focus/interest);
b) a detailed CV including your journal articles/relevant publication record;
c) the names and contact details of three contactable referees; and
d) a copy of your PhD qualification
e) A certified copy of ID or Passport
Kindly submit the above-listed documents to Mr TKK Masilo (Administrative Assistant – COMBER Focus Area): Tshepiso.Masilo@nwu.ac.za
As part of your motivation letter, please explain which sub-area of COMBER you intend to focus on . You may also nominate a potential mentor from the membership of the COMBER Research Focus Area https://education.nwu.ac.za/community-based-educational-research-comber/comber-unit-member\
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 September 2024 @ 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
