Postdoc in Philosophy / Intellectual History / Political Theory at the Black Archive Project, University of Johannesburg University of Johannesburg in South Africa

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Philosophy / Intellectual History / Political Theory at the Black Archive Project, University of Johannesburg.

The post is an interdisciplinary postdoc focused on recovering, preserving, and activating African and Black intellectual traditions as living resources for contemporary scholarship. The project also examines how these traditions can inform the redesign of institutions, knowledge production, public life, and higher education.

Funding: The fellowship is valued at R300,000 per annum (tax-free) and is offered for an initial period of three years, with possible renewal subject to satisfactory performance.

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed, or be awaiting graduation after fulfilling all examination requirements for, a PhD in Philosophy or a closely related discipline. Scholars in intellectual history, political theory, systems design theory, education, and cognate fields are especially encouraged to apply.

Research profile: The successful fellow should demonstrate intellectual independence, originality, an excellent publication record relative to career stage, strong academic writing and communication skills, the ability to lead an independent research programme, and a collaborative disposition in an interdisciplinary environment.

Language and archival focus: A key requirement is competency in at least one South African Indigenous language and the ability to conduct archival and scholarly research using Indigenous-language sources. The project works with primary materials such as Abantu/Batho, Umthetheleli wa Bantu, Isigidimi samaXhosa, Ilanga lase Natal, and Imvo Zabantsundu.

Location: The fellow is expected to reside in Johannesburg and participate actively in the intellectual life of the project through regular on-campus engagement.

Application deadline: Friday, 24 July 2026.

How to apply: Submit a CV, certified qualifications, doctoral thesis abstract, cover letter, 2–3 page research proposal aligned with the project, evidence of publications, one published paper as a writing sample, and the names/contact details of two academic referees. Applications and enquiries should be sent to [email protected].