Researcher/Senior Researcher in Accumulation and Inequalities in the RASC (Contract post)

Rhodes University Makhanda, Eastern Cape Contract Posted 13 July 2026 - Closing Date 24 July 2026

Department other Minimum experience Associate Company primary industry Higher Education Job functional area Research Contract term 24 Salary R872 722 - R1 069 564 per annum

Researcher/Senior Researcher in Accumulation and Inequalities in the Rhodes African Studies Centre (RASC)

(Contract post – 2 years)

The Rhodes African Studies Centre invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

The Rhodes Africa Studies Centre (RASC)

Established in 2019, the Rhodes African Studies Centre is an inter-faculty research Centre of Excellence that is located in the Faculty of Humanities at Rhodes University. It focuses on conceptual, methodological, and empirical ways of reconfiguring African studies. The Centre is an integral part of Africa Multiple, an initiative of the DFG’s Excellence strategy. Africa Multiple comprises the University of Bayreuth in Germany; Moi University in Kenya; University of Lagos in Nigeria and the University of Joseph Ki Zerbo in Burkina Faso, in addition to University of Salvador du Bahia, which is one of our partners. For more information, visit Africa Multiple at: https://www.africamultiple.uni-bayreuth.de/en/index.html

Main Objectives

Research is the main focus, and teaching is not a core function. Where the researchers are on contract, raising funds for their employment, contract research shall be regarded as equivalent to more traditional forms of research.

In assessing the candidate’s scholarship for promotion, consideration will be given to the individual's track record. While disciplinary differences are considered, the candidate must demonstrate standing within the discipline through their research and student research. This could mean that the individual has demonstrated leadership, made a major contribution to research projects, served as the lead author on publications, or consistently contributed to multiple publications throughout their academic career.

The Requirements

Researcher

• A PhD in African Studies, Political Economy, Economics, Political Sciences, Sociology, Science and Technology Studies, Gender Studies, Anthropology, Geography, Urban Planning, History, Cultural Studies, or a related field.
• Some experience in areas related to accumulation and inequality research, as well as political economy thinking; a focus on the gendered nature of accumulation dynamics is desirable.
• Emerging publication profile in leading journals with a reference to the themes "accumulation" and "inequality". A strong monograph by a respected publisher can be credited as an alternative. The publications address inter- and/or transdisciplinary research projects and build on proven collaborations relevant to the theme of accumulation and inequalities.
• Postgraduate research supervision is not necessarily required. Those with such experience have an added advantage.
• Some experience in coordinating or organising interdisciplinary and/or collaborative projects and/or programmes (this may include conferences and related academic activities)
• Evidence of attendance and presentation at local conferences. Presentation at international conferences will be an added advantage.
• A scholar showing significant research potential.
• Administrative experience, including the ability to coordinate a team of scholars in a collaborative international and interdisciplinary research context.

Senior Researcher

• A PhD in African Studies, Political Economy, Economics, Political Sciences, Sociology, Science and Technology Studies, Gender Studies, Anthropology, Geography, Urban Planning, History, Cultural Studies, or a related field.
• Significant expertise and experience in areas related to accumulation and inequality research, as well as political economy thinking; a focus on the gendered nature of accumulation dynamics is desirable.
• A very good publication record in leading journals with a reference to the themes "accumulation" and "inequality". A strong monograph by a respected publisher can be credited as an alternative. The publications should address inter- and transdisciplinary research projects and build on proven collaborations relevant to the theme of accumulation and inequalities.
• Research supervision of at least a Master’s degree is required. Supervision at the PhD level will be an added advantage.
• Significant experience in leading and/or coordinating interdisciplinary and/or collaborative research projects and/or programmes.
• Evidence of attendance and presentation in local and preferably international conferences.
• An established researcher with an emerging national profile in the discipline.
• Track record of administration, management, and/or leadership roles (leadership roles may be informal) in a collaborative international and interdisciplinary research context.

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications which should include the following: -
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct cover letter outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.
• Short description (max. 3 pages) of a potential research project to be pursued within the Accumulation and Inequalities Research Section.

Please refer to the and

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system. Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application can be submitted to [email protected].

Selection Process:

• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum:

Senior Researcher

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R 826,322.00

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R 1,069,564.00

Researcher

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R 667,972.00

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R 872,722.00

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 24 July 2026

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

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