Project Theme

Rotating savings schemes and informal finance to benefit local economic development.

Overview

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship focusing on community economic development, informal finance and small enterprises.

Research Focus

The fellowship supports high-quality scholarly outputs, collaborative research, and policy-relevant engagement. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research aligned with the project theme.
• Lead and co-author peer-reviewed journal publications.
• Contribute to grant development, policy briefs, and research dissemination.
• Support postgraduate supervision and interdisciplinary collaboration where appropriate.

• A PhD in Development Studies, Development Economics or a related field (awarded within the past five years).
• Strong publication record or clear potential for high-impact research output.
• Experience in quantitative or qualitative or mixed-methods research.
• Demonstrated interest in informal finance, small enterprises and local community economic development.

Fellowship details

• Full-time, two-year fellowship, subject to satisfactory progress. Extension may be considered where exceptional scholarly performance has been demonstrated and funding is available for a third year.
• The stipend is aligned with the University’s postdoctoral fellowship scale (R320 000.00 per per annum, tax-free).
• The successful candidate will be issued with a student number and will have access to University resources. A dedicated office space will be provided.
• Candidates are responsible for accommodation, personal travel and expenses not covered by the postdoctoral fellowship agreement.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary research context
• Access to collaborative networks across different disciplines
• Mentorship in research leadership, publication strategy, and international collaboration.

Location

• NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus, Gauteng, South Africa

How to apply?

Applications should be submitted to  Angelica van Rensburg at Angelica.VanRensburg@nwu.ac.za on or before 16 November 2026. The application should be written in English and include the following documents:

1. A motivation letter summarising the applicant's professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position and the expected contribution to be made to the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences 
2. A two-page research plan for the next two years
3. An academic curriculum vitae 
4. A complete list of published research outputs
5. Names and contact information of two references
6. Copy of identify document or passport
7. Copy of PhD certificate
8. Electronic copy of PhD Thesis
9. Two latest published articles (peer-reviewed in reputable journals)

The fellowship will commence on 1 February 2027 (or based on the agreement). If you are not contacted within three weeks from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. 

For any additional enquiries, please contact: Prof Lucius Botes, Director Research Development, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University at Lucius.Botes@nwu.ac.za.