The Faculty of Humanities at Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, South Africa, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for the 2026–2027 academic period in Heritage Studies, with a focus on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
We are seeking a motivated and suitably qualified candidate who is eager to contribute to a vibrant and growing research environment and make a meaningful contribution to the documentation, preservation, and interpretation of intangible cultural heritage. The fellowship offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, community-engaged scholarship, and research excellence within the field of Heritage Studies.
The opportunity is available in the following field:
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Indigenous Knowledge (IKS) and Heritage: Ref (PDRF/12/2026)
Description of planned research
The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship will focus on investigating the significance, meaning, transmission, and preservation of specific forms of Indigenous, tangible/intangible cultural heritage within contemporary and historical contexts of Southern Africa, and the Northern Cape. The fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for an early-career scholar to advance their research and publication agenda within a dynamic and supportive academic environment. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative and socially responsive research aligned with Sol Plaatje University’s strategic priorities relating to research excellence, postgraduate development, community engagement, social cohesion, paying attention to the preservation of Indigenous natural and cultural heritage. Applications are encouraged from scholars pursuing innovative research in areas including:
- Documentation and recording of tangible/intangible cultural heritage practices, traditions, and knowledge systems
- Historical and contemporary cultural contexts of intangible heritage
- Significance, meaning, and value of tangible/intangible cultural heritage to communities and heritage custodians
- Northern Cape Indigenous knowledge systems and living heritage traditions
- Northern Cape oral histories, oral traditions, storytelling, and memory practices; rituals, ceremonies, festivals, and cultural performances
- Traditional ecological and environmental knowledge
- Language, identity, and cultural transmission
- Threats to intangible cultural heritage, including social, environmental, economic, and technological challenges
- Safeguarding, preservation, and revitalisation strategies for intangible cultural heritage
- Community-based and participatory approaches to heritage management
- Digital documentation, archiving, and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage
- Heritage policy, governance, and the implementation of safeguarding frameworks
- Interdisciplinary approaches to intangible cultural heritage research and practice
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong theoretical grounding, methodological competence, collaborative engagement, and the ability to produce original and impactful research outputs. The fellowship will provide opportunities to collaborate with researchers within the Faculty of Humanities, particularly the Department of Heritage Studies.
Minimum requirements:
- PhD degree in Heritage Studies, Indigenous Knowledge Systems or a closely related/cognate field
- Evidence of research and publications in IKS and/or Heritage Studies
- Evidence of publications in ISI and/or DHET accredited journals
- Open to South African and international applicants for full-time research at Sol Plaatje University. Preference may be given to South African applicants
- The candidate must have completed doctoral studies within the past five years in a field relevant to the position
- Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the duration of the fellowship
- Applicants selected for the fellowship must be willing to relocate to Sol Plaatje University for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship, and recipients are expected to spend at least 80% of their fellowship period at SPU
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
- A clear project plan and achievable timelines demonstrating potential for original research outputs
- Applicants with ongoing research projects/funding related to the position will be given priority
Duties and deliverables
- Publish at least two (2) articles per year with the mentor(s) in DHET-accredited peer-reviewed journals
- Initiate and coordinate collaborative research and community engagement initiatives with national/provincial heritage institutions
- Contribute to conference proceedings and/or book chapters
- Attend and present papers at relevant national and international conferences
- Submit quarterly progress reports to the assigned mentor(s)
- Participate in postgraduate mentoring and collaborative research activities within the Department of Heritage Studies
- Research outputs must reflect the affiliation of the Faculty of Humanities, Department of Heritage Studies, and Sol Plaatje University
Bursary value:
The fellow will receive a tax-free bursary of R280 000 per annum to cover living expenses, as well as an additional research fund of R40 000. The fellowship is awarded for one year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
Proposed starting date: 04 February 2027
Application procedure:
Each application must be accompanied by a completed application form and the following supporting documents:
- Full Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copies of ID document/passport
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts
- Two professional reference letters from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic work
- A brief description of the proposed research project
Click here to download the application form.
Applications and supporting documentation should be emailed to: post.doctoral@spu.ac.za
Subject line: “Research Office Postdoctoral Fellowship in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Heritage”
Contact details: For questions regarding the application process, project, or academic queries: post.doctoral@spu.ac.za
Applications close: 06 November 2026
Candidates from outside the borders of South Africa must ensure they have all required legal documentation.
Sol Plaatje University and the Research Office reserve the right not to fill this fellowship if no suitable candidates are identified. If no response has been
received within 21 days of the closing date, applicants may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.
