The Department of Economics at Stellenbosch University invites applications from outstanding early-career economists for up to two three-year postdoctoral fellowships. We seek scholars whose research helps explain the drivers of long-run economic growth, with implications for South Africa and the wider African continent.
These fellowships are built around a single organising question: what makes economies grow? We welcome proposals across the subfields that speak to that question, including but not limited to: economic history, economics of innovation, public economics, labour economics, applied microeconomics, political economy, behavioural economics, and industrial organisation.
The Department of Economics at Stellenbosch University is among the continent's leading centres for economic research, with particular strength in the long-run analysis of growth and development. Fellows join a collaborative community of scholars and postgraduate students, with access to seminars, workshops and joint projects across the Department and its wider networks.
Who we are looking for
- A PhD in Economics, awarded or with all requirements completed by the start date.
- An active research agenda and clear potential to publish in leading international journals.
- A research focus on South Africa or Africa is a strong advantage.
- An interest in collaboration, and in communicating findings to academic, policy and public audiences.
What we offer
- A fellowship of up to three years, renewable annually subject to satisfactory progress.
- A competitive stipend, tax-free under South African rules for postdoctoral fellowships.
- A vibrant research environment spanning economic history, growth and policy.
- Support to build an independent research career, present internationally, and apply for grants.
How to apply
Apply online via EconJobMarket by 8 January 2027. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in January 2027, for a start between March and July 2027. Please upload: a curriculum vitae, with proof of qualification or expected date of PhD completion; a cover letter indicating your primary research theme and proposed project; a job market paper or writing sample; and three confidential letters of reference, including your supervisor's.
Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment if suitable candidates do not apply.
Enquiries: Prof Johan Fourie, johanf@sun.ac.za.
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Job market paper
- Video presentation of job market paper (optional)
- Additional paper (optional)
- Other material (in one file) (optional)
- Additional paper (optional)
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