EconJobMarket®

Advertiser: Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University

Field(s) of specialization: Development; Growth - Economic History - Political Economy - Applied microeconomics

Position type(s): Postdoctoral Scholar

Location of job: Bosman Street, Stellenbosch, CGW Schumann Building, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7600, South Africa

Degree required: Doctorate

Job start date: Flexible

Job duration: 3 years

Letters of reference required: 3

Target date for applications: 15 Dec 2025

Application deadline: 5 Jan 2026 midnight UTC (accepting applications)

Posting end date: 23 Feb 2026

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted remotely by video starting January, 2026.

Ad text:

Hosts: Laboratory for the Economics of Africa’s Past (LEAP) & Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab (BER), Stellenbosch University

Term: Three years • Start window: March–July 2026 • Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

LEAP and the Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab invite applications for up to five Postdoctoral Fellowships for outstanding early‑career economists. We welcome proposals in economic history, economic growth and development, political economy, and policy‑relevant applied research with clear implications for South Africa and the wider African continent.

About the hosts

· Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab focuses on generating policy‑relevant research and building capacity to achieve economic success in South Africa. It is part of the Bureau of Economic Research (BER), founded in 1944.

· LEAP is a centre within the Department of Economics. It is dedicated to the quantitative study of African economic and social history, bringing together scholars and students to understand and explain the continent’s long‑run development.

Eligibility and profile

· A PhD in Economics (awarded, or all requirements completed by the start date) is required.

· A research focus on South Africa or Africa will be a strong advantage.

· Evidence of an active research agenda and the potential to publish in leading outlets.

· An interest in collaboration across LEAP and Impumelelo’s networks, and in communicating findings to academic, policy and public audiences.

What we offer

· A vibrant research environment spanning economic history, growth and policy.

· Access to seminars, workshops and collaborative projects across LEAP, the BER and the Department of Economics.

· A three‑year fellowship with an competitive stipend (tax‑free under South African rules for postdoctoral fellowships).

· Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment if suitable candidates do not apply.

How to apply

Please apply online via EconJobMarket before 5 January 2026.

Enquiries: For further information, contact Prof Johan Fourie at johanf@sun.ac.za.