The bhive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) is a dynamic unit within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences that bridges academic knowledge with practical business development. The bhive EDC has a 2-year position for a post-doctoral researcher to initiate and execute entrepreneurship research projects related to entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial intent, mindset and identity, and broader entrepreneurship ecosystems. The applicant will be based at the Vanderbijlpark campus, with the aim of increasing research outputs in one or more of the mentioned fields.

The bhive EDC bridges academic knowledge with practical business development through initiatives such as Enactus, STEP training, start-up bootcamps, and enterprise development programmes for students and community-based entrepreneurs. With certified GrowthWheel advisory services and an established research focus on entrepreneurship education, female entrepreneurial identity, and ecosystems, the bhive EDC offers a rich and applied research environment.

Join a forward-thinking research team as a post-doctoral research fellow specialising in Entrepreneurship at the NWU!

Focus areas:

• Entrepreneurial Education.
• Entrepreneurial Intent/ Mindset and Identity.
• Entrepreneurship.

Core responsibilities:

• Generate and execute novel research projects in the mentioned focus areas.
• 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.

• PhD in Business Management/ Entrepreneurship, obtained within the last five years, with expertise and research outputs research outputs in one or more of the following areas: entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial intent, mindset and identity, or entrepreneurship ecosystems.
• Proven track record of publications in top-quality journals (DHET Accredited Journals).
• Strong research methodological skills in quantitative research design
• Fluent in both written and spoken English.
• Good communication and teamwork skills. 

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 postdoctoral mentors and the School of Management Sciences staff. The post-doctoral fellow's office will have all the amenities necessary for effective outputs. The fellowship is a full-time, two-year contract, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory progress. The extension of the fellowship can be negotiated when exceptional performance has been demonstrated, and additional funding is available.

Exclusions:

The bhive EDC and the NWU are not responsible for arranging or paying for accommodation, personal travel, or any other expenses related to the postdoctoral 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 bhive EDC.
• 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 thesis.

Following 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 June 2026 (or based on the agreement).

Please send all required application details to Bernise Richardson-Mahlophe Bernise.Mahlophe@nwu.ac.za by 30 April 2026.

For additional enquiries, please contact Dr Johann Landsberg at johann.landsberg@nwu.ac.za or Prof Re-an Müller, Deputy Director, School of Management Sciences, Vanderbijlpark Campus rean.muller@nwu.ac.za.