Senior Researcher (GIS and Remote Sensing, and Environmental Management) (5-year Contract) (Job ID 6441)

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements as well as the following standard documentation:
A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
Copies of your qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications please include SAQA accreditation).
A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter appointment contract service certificate or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:
Provide and coordinate high-impact research programmes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) remote sensing and environmental management with emphasis on disaster risk reduction climate resilience and sustainable development.
Contribute to developing innovative geospatial methodologies and models for environmental assessment hazard mapping and risk analysis.
Pioneer the integration of GeoAI and advanced machine learning techniques in disaster risk and environmental research.
Establish and maintain a strong publication record in high-impact internationally recognised journals.
Present research findings at prestigious international conferences and scientific forums.

Inherent requirements:
PhD on NQF Level 10 in Environmental Management Geography Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Geoinformatics or a closely related discipline.
Proven experience in the presentation of papers/posters at national scholarly conferences.
Proven national recognition for specialist expertise and research in a specific area of scholarship.
An NRF rating or demonstrated potential for obtaining an NRF rating.
Proven experience in supervision of graduated masters-degree students.
A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals.
Proven experience of service as an active member of a national or international scholarly society or committee or agency concerned with research at higher-education levels.

Recommendations:
Minimum of 2 years postdoctoral research experience in relevant fields.
Demonstrated track record of research excellence with substantial publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals (minimum 10 publications).
Proven experience in leading research projects and managing multidisciplinary teams.
Extensive expertise in advanced GIS and remote sensing software and methodologies.
Strong record of postgraduate student supervision with successful completions.
Excellent scientific writing communication and presentation skills.
Spatial modelling geostatistics and predictive analytics.
Disaster risk assessment and vulnerability analysis using GIS and Remote sensing.
GeoAI and machine learning applications in environmental science.
Big data analytics and cloud computing for geospatial applications.

Required competencies:
Results oriented:
- The ability to set high standards establish tough goals and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to stick with tasks not give up and overcome obstacles in completing ones task.
Strategic thinking:
- The ability to focus on details work towards perfection and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
Leading
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
Building coalitions
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.

Closing date:
13 May 2026

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

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

Enquiries:
For enquiries please feel free to contact or email or . Additionally kindly contact / 9813 for assistance.

General:
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:

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.