The University of the Free State invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the latest vacancies available at its Bloemfontein and QwaQwa campuses. These opportunities include research, cleaning, faculty management, student accommodation inspection, postdoctoral research and business development posts. Applicants must apply before the relevant closing dates and ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | University of the Free State |
| Closing Dates | 04, 05, 07, 08 and 11 June 2026 |
| Locations | Bloemfontein Campus and QwaQwa Campus |
| Application Method | Online application or email where specified |
| Required Documents | Detailed CV, qualifications, ID copy and supporting documents |
Senior Researcher: GIS and Remote Sensing, and Environmental Management Job ID: 6477
Contract Type: 5-Year Contract
Location: Bloemfontein Campus
Closing Date: 11 June 2026
Salary: Available on request
Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD at NQF Level 10 in Environmental Management, Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Geoinformatics or a closely related discipline.
Applicants must have experience presenting papers or posters at national scholarly conferences, national recognition in a specialist research area, proven postgraduate supervision experience, and a strong research publication record in accredited journals.
An NRF rating or demonstrated potential to obtain an NRF rating is required.
Duties
The successful candidate will provide and coordinate high-impact research programmes in GIS, remote sensing and environmental management, with emphasis on disaster risk reduction, climate resilience and sustainable development.
Duties include developing geospatial methodologies, using GeoAI and machine learning in disaster risk and environmental research, publishing in recognised journals, presenting at international conferences and supporting advanced research outputs.
Enquiries
Tel: 051 401 7659
Email: SejanamaneP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Cleaner Job ID: 6470 X6 Positions
Post Level: 18
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: South Campus and Bloemfontein Campus
Closing Date: 04 June 2026
Salary: R127 080.97 per annum, including benefits, depending on budget, experience and qualifications
Requirements
Applicants must have at least Grade 10 at NQF Level 2. Proof must be attached.
A colour coding cleaning system certificate, cleaning experience in a tertiary residence environment, and at least two years’ experience in a colour code cleaning system will be advantageous.
Duties
The successful candidates will clean residences and other accommodation facilities under Housing and Residence Affairs.
Duties include cleaning according to the All-Care Colour Coding System, cleaning restrooms, caring for issued equipment, preparing residences during conferences, making beds, removing linen and working overtime when required.
Enquiries
Tel: 051 401 7659
Email: SejanamaneP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Faculty Manager Job ID: 6475
Post Level: 7
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Bloemfontein Campus
Closing Date: 08 June 2026
Salary: Available on request
Requirements
Applicants must have a relevant Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, BTech Degree or Postgraduate Certificate at NQF Level 7.
A minimum of four years’ relevant working experience in an academic administration supervisory role at a higher education institution is required.
Applicants must have experience with administrative, financial and management systems and software, including systems such as PeopleSoft, as well as higher education processes, policies and procedures.
Duties
The successful candidate will manage the day-to-day administrative business of the faculty and support strategic planning with the Dean and Vice-Deans.
Duties include managing faculty meetings, advising faculty leadership on operational policies, managing admissions, registrations, graduations, student records, faculty calendars, staff supervision, recruitment administration, finance management, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder relations and quality assurance.
Enquiries
Tel: 051 401 2558
Email: ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Senior Assistant Officer: Off-Campus Accommodation Inspector Job ID: 6469
Post Level: 12
Contract Type: 3-Year Contract
Location: QwaQwa Campus
Closing Date: 04 June 2026
Salary: R403 692.54 – R506 869.69 per annum, including benefits, depending on budget, experience and qualifications
Requirements
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, BTech Degree or Postgraduate Certificate at NQF Level 7 in Building Science, Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
A minimum of one year’s relevant working experience related to the duties and responsibilities is required. A valid driver’s licence must be attached.
A postgraduate qualification, building inspection experience, construction project experience, building plan interpretation experience and knowledge of building legislation will be advantageous.
Duties
The successful candidate will evaluate applications for off-campus accommodation accreditation, verify documentation, compile inspection schedules and maintain records.
Duties include liaising with accommodation service providers, students and stakeholders, responding to enquiries, conducting inspections, compiling inspection reports and ensuring compliance with UFS accommodation standards.
Enquiries
Tel: 051 401 2876
Email: SeitlhekoLP@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.ac.za
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Job ID: 6464
Contract Type: 1-Year Contract, renewable up to 2 years
Department: Agricultural Economics
Location: Bloemfontein Campus
Closing Date: 07 June 2026
Commencement: 01 July 2026
Fellowship Value: R270 000 annual tax-free fellowship plus R30 000 running expenses
Requirements
Applicants must have graduated with a PhD in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
The fellowship is open to South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State. Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship and must be able to relocate to Bloemfontein.
Applicants must have experience presenting research papers at conferences or seminars and must have authored or co-authored academic publications.
Duties
The fellow will conduct research in water footprint assessment of agri-food products, climate finance for sustainable water use, virtual water trade and blue water footprint caps for river basins.
The successful candidate must author or co-author at least three publication outputs per year, initiate research projects, seek funding, participate in UFS research activities and submit annual progress reports.
Enquiries
Prof Henry Jordaan
Email: JordaanH@ufs.ac.za
Application Details
Applications must be emailed to Prof Henry Jordaan at JordaanH@ufs.ac.za.
Senior Officer: Business Developer Job ID: 6466
Post Level: 9
Department: Kovsie Phahamisa Academy
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Bloemfontein Campus
Closing Date: 05 June 2026
Salary: Available on request
Requirements
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma or BTech Degree at NQF Level 7 in a Marketing or Business-related field.
A minimum of two years’ relevant experience in business development is required. This may include developing marketing or business development initiatives, engaging stakeholders, preparing proposals and presentations, and coordinating projects.
A valid driver’s licence must be attached.
A relevant Honours Degree at NQF Level 8 and experience in higher education, short learning programmes, continuing education or skills development will be advantageous.
Duties
The successful candidate will identify business opportunities aligned to UFS strategic objectives and support the expansion of short learning programmes.
Duties include developing business development strategies, building partnerships, conducting market research, analysing trends, promoting programmes, managing digital platforms, preparing proposals, tracking performance indicators, supporting revenue generation and representing UFS at forums, exhibitions and industry engagements.
Enquiries
Tel: 051 401 9813
Email: PhokaR@ufs.ac.za
How to Apply
Most applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website.
To apply and view more details, visit the University of the Free State official vacancy website.
For the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, applications must be emailed to Prof Henry Jordaan at JordaanH@ufs.ac.za.
Applicants must submit all required documents, including:
Detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications, SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, identity document or passport, and confirmation of employment where applicable.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Important Notes for Applicants
The University of the Free State is a designated employer committed to excellence, diversity and redress in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities.
The University processes personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act. The University reserves the right not to fill the posts.
Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If applicants are not contacted within six weeks after the closing date, they should consider their applications unsuccessful.