Call for Applications: NRF Postdoctoral Fellow
The English Department and the Tsikinya-Chaka Centre (School of Literature, Language and Media) at the University of the Witwatersrand invite applications for a National Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship commencing in January 2027.
We are seeking an exceptional early career scholar with expertise in literary studies, broadly construed. An interest in one or more of the following sub-fields is preferred but not required:
- early modern literature and drama (especially Shakespeare)
- texts in translation / multilingualism in the classroom
- the prescription and teaching of literary and dramatic texts at secondary school level
- transnational or comparative literary and cultural studies
- reception studies.
The fellowship is for one year in the first instance (2027) with the option to renew for a second year (2028). NRF-funded postdocs are offered a non-taxable annual salary of R320,000. Postdoctoral fellows may apply for funding to cover additional research-related costs.
Minimum requirements:
● PhD in a suitable discipline obtained within the last five years
● Background in literary, language, theatre or education studies
● Evidence of an emerging publication profile
● Experience of teaching at tertiary undergraduate level
● Readiness to present at conferences, seminars and workshops
Desirable attributes:
● Strong publication track record
● Experience of postgraduate teaching, mentoring and/or supervision
● Willingness to work on collaborative research projects
Duties include:
● Producing two journal articles or book chapters per year of the fellowship, in line with South African Department of Higher Education requirements
● Presenting at conferences, seminars or workshops
● Contributing to undergraduate teaching, with opportunities for postgraduate teaching or mentorship/supervision
● Participating in Departmental and School seminars or similar events.
Interested candidates should email Professor Chris Thurman by 30 September 2026. Please include the following documents as a single PDF:
1. Cover letter (maximum one page)
2. Academic CV including contact details of two or three references (reference letters may be requested for shortlisted candidates)
3. Brief concept note outlining the research you plan to undertake as a postdoctoral fellow (maximum one page).
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not make use of AI / LLM tools in preparing your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.