Research Theme Leader Sustainable Futures (Associate Professor or Professor) (Contract appointment 5 years) (Job ID 6312)

Background and Context
The University of the Free State (UFS) is entering a dynamic phase of research transformation under Vision 130 aimed at positioning the institution as a research-led globally engaged university. As part of this strategy UFS is establishing four signature Research Themes that define the areas in which the University will lead nationally and make a distinctive global contribution.

The Research Theme Leader: Sustainable Futures will provide visionary collaborative and inclusive leadership to drive the Universitys research excellence in sustainability environmental resilience circular economies and future-oriented innovation. The incumbent will advance interdisciplinary multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary partnerships that address complex societal and planetary challenges in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda 2063 and the DSI Decadal Plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement a strategic vision and roadmap for the Sustainable Futures theme positioning the UFS as a national and international leader in sustainability research and innovation.
Foster an inclusive future-focused research culture that supports high-impact interdisciplinary multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration across faculties and campuses.
Lead and expand a portfolio of high-quality internationally visible research projects.
Secure competitive research funding from diverse sources including the NRF DSI industry philanthropic organisations and international consortia.
Publish impactful research outputs in accredited high-impact journals and contribute to UFSs research visibility and citation profile.
Build and strengthen partnerships with government industry and community stakeholders to ensure that research outputs translate into societal and economic benefit.
Represent UFS at national and global sustainability networks think-tanks and research alliances.
Mentor emerging researchers postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students cultivating the next generation of sustainability scientists and scholars.
Collaborate with other Theme Leaders and the Directorate Research Development (DRD) to align initiatives with institutional strategic priorities.
Contribute to institutional policy development strategic reporting and performance monitoring related to sustainability research.

Minimum Requirements

A PhD in a field relevant to sustainable development environmental sciences or related transdisciplinary areas.
Appointable at Associate or Full Professor level based on the applicable UFS criteria for such appointments.
A proven track record of high-impact research outputs and postgraduate supervision.
Demonstrated leadership experience in managing large multi-disciplinary research teams or thematic programmes.
Evidence of sustained success in attracting and managing external research funding.
Strong stakeholder engagement skills with a record of partnerships across academia industry and government.
Excellent strategic planning communication and networking abilities.

Preferred / Advantageous Criteria:

NRF-rated researcher or equivalent international recognition.
Experience in international research collaboration and global sustainability initiatives.
Experience in developing innovation pipelines technology transfer or knowledge translation related to sustainability.
Familiarity with South African and African science policy frameworks (NRF DSI DHET AU Agenda 2063).

Required Core Competencies:

Results Orientation: Sets ambitious goals drives execution and ensures excellence.
Strategic Agility: Anticipates future trends and integrates sustainability principles across disciplines.
Business and Financial Acumen: Understands research funding systems cost centres and performance indicators.
Leadership and Influence: Inspires others builds trust and mobilises collaborative teams toward shared goals.
Networking and Coalition Building: Engages confidently with internal and external partners to maximise research impact.
Adaptability and Innovation: Navigates change effectively and fosters a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.

Assumption of Duties
1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Remuneration
A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority and strategic importance of the position.

Fringe Benefits
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme medical aid group life insurance housing allowance annual leave service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries
For enquiries contact: Mrs. Marianne Vermaak Tel:Email:
For application assistance Mrs. Puseletso Parkie Tel:Email:

Interested candidates with queries (only enquiries) may also write to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Postgraduate Studies Prof Vasu Reddy e-mail: (NO APPLICATIONS to be sent to him).

Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the UFS vacancy website: or via email to or .

Required documentation:
A comprehensive CV and cover letter.
Copies of qualifications (SAQA accreditation required for foreign qualifications).
Identity document (ID/passport).
Proof of professional registration (if applicable).

Additional Information
The UFS processes personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The University reserves the right not to fill the post. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in late January/early February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be required to make a presentation followed by an interview.

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its employment equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:EEA13ReportUNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP