SUMMARY:
DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
(On behalf of the Department of Psychology, Social Work and Criminology)
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period)
Description:
The Department of Psychology, Social Work and Criminology wishes to appoint one Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to join the Digital Innovation in Child Protection Research Programme under the supervision of Prof Ulene Schiller.
The programme is an interdisciplinary research initiative that seeks to transform statutory child protection systems through the development, implementation, evaluation and continuous advancement of digital innovations that strengthen evidence-informed practice, organisational effectiveness and outcomes for vulnerable children and families. The programme integrates expertise from social work, digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), implementation science, public administration, information systems and data analytics.
The project within the programme is the Integrated Child Protection Management Application (ICPMA), an innovative digital platform funded through the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), designed to improve statutory child protection practice through enhanced case management, workflow efficiency, decision support, supervision and organisational accountability. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will contribute to the next phase of research associated with this nationally significant project.
POSITION INFO:
Requirements: The successful candidate will preferably: Hold a doctoral degree completed within the last five years in Social Work, Psychology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related discipline from a recognised higher education institution in South Africa or abroad. Applicants awaiting graduation must submit an official letter from their university confirming that all doctoral requirements have been completed. Demonstrate a strong publication record appropriate to career stage. Have experience in quantitative, qualitative and\/or mixed-methods research. Demonstrate excellent academic writing and communication skills. Have experience with research related to digital innovation, implementation science, AI, social services, public sector innovation or child protection (advantageous). Demonstrate competence in statistical and\/or qualitative data analysis software. Be willing to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team. Be based primarily at the University of Fort Hare, East London Campus. In accordance with the University Postdoctoral Fellowship Policy: The successful candidate may not be employed by the University of Fort Hare (including Time on Task appointments) during the fellowship. The successful candidate may not hold employment at another institution or organisation during the fellowship. Candidates of any nationality may apply (subject to South African visa regulations where applicable). Preference will be given to South African citizens, with particular emphasis on women. Fellowship Expectations: The successful candidate will contribute to the growth of the Digital Innovation in Child Protection Research Programme through: Conducting high-quality interdisciplinary research. Publishing in accredited national and international journals. Supporting the implementation and evaluation of the Integrated Child Protection Management Application (ICPMA). Contributing to grant applications and collaborative research initiatives. Mentoring Master's and Doctoral students. Presenting research at national and international conferences. Producing policy briefs and stakeholder reports. Research may contribute to one or more of the programme's five research pillars : Digital Transformation in Child Protection Artificial Intelligence for Child Protection Implementation Science and Digital Adoption Professional Practice and Workforce Wellbeing Child Outcomes and System Performance Conditions: The fellowship is awarded for a 24-month period . Renewal after the first year will be subject to satisfactory research performance. During the first year, the fellow is expected to submit manuscripts equivalent to two DHET-accredited research output units . During the second year, the fellow is expected to have published (or have papers accepted\/in press) equivalent to two DHET-accredited research output units . Renewal will be in accordance with the University of Fort Hare Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Policy. Application details: Please email the following documents to Mr. Mandilakhe Qelesile ( ) and copy Ms. Babalwa Solani ( \/ ) Applications must include: A motivation letter outlining relevant expertise and research interests (1-2 pages) A comprehensive curriculum vitae, including publication record Certified copies of doctoral degree certificate and academic transcripts Certified copy of identity document or passport Contact details of two academic referees Please use the subject line: Digital Innovation in Child Protection Enquiries: For enquiries regarding the research programme, please contact: Prof Ulene Schiller Department of Psychology, Social Work and Criminology University of Fort Hare Email: ) Notes Applications will be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with the Employment Equity Act. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Closing Date: 09 October 2026
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