Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Environmental Communication Research Group(Communication)

SUMMARY:
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN COMMUNICATION
 
Applications are invited from qualified candidates for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellowship under the Environmental Communication Research Group at the Department of Communication, University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. The Fellowship aims to support and expand current risk communication research in the department, particularly environmental issues and problems. It focuses on evaluating and developing participatory communication strategies for engaging rural and peri-urban residents on climate change and food security, which are critical issues that affect livelihood locally, nationally and globally.

POSITION INFO:

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

• The broader research centres primarily on how communication could improve pro-environmental behaviours within the context of addressing climate change-related issues and challenges around food security.
• To ascertain media salience and public exposure to climate change and food security issues.
• Determine public perception, knowledge and attitude toward climate change and food security issues.
• Establish the role of media accounts in forming public attitudes and beliefs about climate change and food security.
• Understand the links between media accounts and pro-environmental behaviours (climate change and food security)
• Explore the role of the media, particularly community radio, in galvanising the silent majority, especially the rural population, to embrace climate change and food security efficiency behaviours.

• Prospective fellows must be self-driven with a solid environmental communication research background, especially in the areas of climate change and food security
• Possess a doctoral degree not older than five years in Communication or a closely related discipline.
• Preference will be given to South African Citizens, particularly women, holders of a South African Permanent Residence permit while foreign nationals would need to apply for a permit.

• Produce at least 2 units per year in DHET-accredited journals.
• Contribute to building the research profile of the Environmental Communication Research Group.
• The PDRF will actively participate in research activities within the Department of Communication and postgraduate students' supervision and mentoring.

• The annual stipend is R300,000 non-taxable and payable in four equal instalments
• The Fellowship is valid for ONE year and renewable subject to satisfactory performance.
• Commencement of Fellowship: 1 August 2025

• Motivation letter addressing the above eligibility requirements (No more than two pages).
• A draft/proposal on any of the objectives indicated above.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• A detailed CV with three referees' contact details, including a list of research publications and other scholarly output.
• Full academic transcript and copy of doctoral degree certificate.