Research Theme Leader: Systems for Societal Development

Background and Context

As part of its Vision 130 strategic trajectory, the University of the Free State (UFS) is establishing four flagship Research Themes that define the institution's leadership in areas of national importance and global relevance. The Research Theme: Systems for Societal Development is a central pillar in this framework, focusing on how integrated, innovative, and resilient systems can drive sustainable development and equitable societal transformation.

This theme promotes inter-, multi- and transdisciplinary research that bridges social innovation, governance, digital transformation, economic systems, and human capital development — supporting the creation of sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready societies. The Theme Leader will play a critical role in driving high-impact collaboration across disciplines and sectors to ensure that UFS is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in research for social and systems transformation.

 

Key Responsibilities:

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•    Provide Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a visionary research strategy for the Systems for Societal Development theme, ensuring alignment with the UFS Strategic Plan, national research priorities, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Position UFS as a national leader and continental collaborator in systemic research for sustainable development and innovation.

•    Drive Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Research Excellence: Lead and coordinate transformative, cross-faculty research programmes that explore how systems — economic, digital, human, infrastructure and institutional — shape and support sustainable societies. Promote integrative research across the theme's six focus areas: Community Development and Social Innovation; Human Capital and the Future of Work; Digital Futures and Data Science; Infrastructure and Technological Advancement; Financial and Economic Systems; Sustainable Urban and Municipal Development.

•    Advance Societal and Policy Impact: Engage with government, industry, and civil society partners to co-design research that informs public policy, governance models, and sustainable service delivery. Foster evidence-based innovation that enhances social cohesion, inclusion, and institutional resilience.

•    Secure Research Funding and Partnerships: Lead competitive funding proposals to national and international funding bodies, development agencies, and industry partners. Build diverse income streams through grants, strategic partnerships, and contract research.

•    Capacity Development and Mentorship: Supervise postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows in fields aligned with systems, governance, and innovation studies. Cultivate a diverse pipeline of emerging researchers committed to societal transformation and interdisciplinary research excellence.

•    Institutional Collaboration and Representation: Work closely with other Research Theme Leaders and the Directorate Research Development (DRD) to align initiatives with UFS's strategic research agenda. Represent UFS at national and international research networks related to systems, development, and social innovation.

Minimum Requirements:

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•    A PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Economics, Governance, Engineering, Data Science, Development Studies, or related interdisciplinary areas).

•    Appointable at Associate or Full Professor level, based on the applicable UFS criteria for such appointments.

•    Proven leadership experience in managing complex, multidisciplinary research programmes or centres.

•    A strong research record in one or more of the theme's focus areas.

•    Demonstrated success in acquiring and managing external research funding.

•    Experience in stakeholder engagement across academia, government, industry, and community sectors.

•    Excellent strategic planning, communication, and networking skills.

Preferred / Advantageous Criteria:

•    NRF-rated researcher or equivalent international academic recognition.

•    Experience in large-scale international or transdisciplinary research collaborations.

•    Knowledge of systems theory, innovation ecosystems, and policy research frameworks.

•    Demonstrated success in translating research outcomes into policy or applied societal impact.

Required Core Competencies:

•    Results Orientation: Demonstrates drive, accountability, and excellence in delivering research outcomes.

•    Strategic Agility: Anticipates global and national trends, integrating systems thinking into strategy and practice.

•    Business and Research Acumen: Understands research funding systems, performance metrics, and innovation partnerships.

•    Leadership and Influence: Inspires collaboration across diverse teams and disciplines.

•    Networking and Coalition Building: Builds effective partnerships across academic, government, and community networks.

•    Adaptability and Innovation: Promotes creativity, systems-based problem-solving, 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: EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP