Researcher (Job ID: 6590)

University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic -> Academy for Multi-lingualism

Contract Type

Permanent

Occupational Level

Junior Management

Closing Date

23/9/2026

Description

Duties and responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the UFS Terminology Development Project activities.
• Conduct research in the areas of the development of African languages, terminology development, and multilingualism initiatives.
• Coordinate language policy implementation initiatives in the Academy for Multilingualism.
• Work in collaboration with UFS faculties and departments, and external stakeholders on terminology development projects.

Inherent requirements

• A PhD on NQF Level 10 in the field of languages, linguistics, terminology development, lexicography or related language studies (permanent appointment),
• or
• A Master of Arts degree on NQF Level 9 in the field of languages, linguistics, terminology development, lexicography or related language studies (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 in the field of languages, linguistics, terminology development, lexicography or related language studies must be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• A minimum of two (2) years’ relevant experience in a terminology development project.
• Have worked in a Higher Education Institution or any Government Department or Entity that specialises in African Language development activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.

Recommendations

• A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in a Higher Education or Government institution that specialises in African Languages promotion.
• Hold an Honours degree on NQF Level 8 in the field of African Languages studies or a related field.
• Knowledge of Sesotho Language, terminology development, and lexicography.

Required competencies

• Results Orientated:
  • The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
  • The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
  • The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
  • The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
• Business Acumen:
  • The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
  • Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
  • The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
  • The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
  • The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
  • The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties

1 November 2026.

Salary

The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

General

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: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

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