University of Johannesburg Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2026 in Welfare and Social Development for Researchers Worldwide

The University of Johannesburg (UJ), through the South African Research Chair in Welfare and Social Development and the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), has officially opened applications for its prestigious 2026 Post-Doctoral Fellowship opportunity. This fully research-focused fellowship presents an excellent platform for emerging scholars and researchers who are passionate about advancing knowledge in social development, social protection, welfare systems, and public policy research.

Hosted under the leadership of Professor Lauren Graham, the fellowship offers selected candidates the opportunity to spend 12 months contributing to impactful and policy-relevant research while strengthening their academic profile through publications, collaborations, and participation in ongoing projects. The fellowship may also be renewed based on satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.

This opportunity is ideal for scholars who want to deepen their expertise in social policy and development research while working within one of Africa’s leading research environments focused on poverty, inequality, vulnerability, social welfare, and human development.

The South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI), which supports this fellowship, was established to strengthen research excellence and build future generations of scholars and researchers across South African universities. The Welfare and Social Development Chair at UJ has become an influential research hub dedicated to producing innovative and evidence-based solutions that address developmental challenges affecting vulnerable populations across Africa and beyond.

The fellowship specifically seeks motivated and high-performing researchers whose work aligns with critical areas of contemporary social development research. Applicants with research interests in integrated social policy and social protection systems are highly encouraged to apply. Researchers working on issues related to precarious work and labour insecurity, digital inclusion in social protection systems, and the relationship between climate change and social policy are also strongly encouraged to submit applications.

These research themes reflect some of the most urgent social and economic issues affecting communities globally. As governments and institutions continue to search for innovative responses to inequality, unemployment, technological exclusion, and climate vulnerability, the fellowship provides scholars with an opportunity to contribute to policy-relevant research capable of shaping real-world solutions.

Successful fellows will become part of the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), a respected research centre at the University of Johannesburg known for its commitment to producing impactful social development research. The CSDA focuses on areas such as poverty reduction, inequality, social protection, youth development, disability inclusion, welfare policy, and developmental social welfare systems.

One of the major expectations of the fellowship is scholarly publication. Fellows will be expected to publish at least three peer-reviewed journal articles derived from their doctoral research. In addition, they will actively contribute to ongoing research projects within the Chair and the CSDA. This makes the programme particularly beneficial for early-career academics who want to strengthen their research portfolio, improve their academic visibility, and build a strong publication record that can support future academic and professional opportunities.

Beyond publications, fellows will gain access to a collaborative academic environment where they can engage with leading scholars, policy experts, and interdisciplinary researchers. This exposure can significantly improve their professional networks and future research collaborations.

The University of Johannesburg itself is one of Africa’s leading universities, recognized internationally for academic excellence, innovation, and impactful research. Through initiatives such as SARChI, the university continues to contribute meaningfully to global conversations on development, welfare, social justice, and sustainable social policy.

Applicants interested in this opportunity are advised to prepare their application materials early and ensure that their research interests clearly align with the fellowship themes. Strong academic writing skills, evidence of research competence, and a demonstrated commitment to social development research will strengthen applications considerably.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Selected fellows will benefit from:

• A 12-month post-doctoral research opportunity at the University of Johannesburg
• Possible renewal based on performance
• Mentorship and supervision from Professor Lauren Graham
• Opportunities to publish peer-reviewed journal articles
• Participation in impactful social development research projects
• Academic networking and collaboration opportunities
• Exposure to interdisciplinary and policy-focused research environments
• Strengthening of academic and professional research profiles

Research Areas

Applicants are encouraged to apply if their research relates to:

• Integrated social policy and social protection systems
• Social protection and precarious work
• Digital inclusion in social protection
• Social policy and climate change

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 30 May 2026.

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