"aflearn

An African hub, dedicated to foundational learning data, measurement, research, and capacity building


Data research

The hub will support an active research agenda, addressing measurement issues, data comparability, and substantive topics in foundational learning. This grant will fund one PhD student and one post-doctoral fellow, facilitating capacity building within DataFirst. Through residency opportunities for African researchers, and collaborative projects, the hub will serve as a platform for strengthening the efforts of other organizations addressing foundational learning deprivations and inequalities in Africa.

 

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Opportunity

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position to work in the AFLEARN Data Hub. The successful candidate will be involved in original empirical research; collating and analysing large-scale African foundational learning data; publishing and communicating research findings to diverse audiences; and capacity building through residential courses and follow-up support to course participants.

Eligibility

Applicants must have:

  • A doctoral degree in development economics, education economics or a related field of study that has been awarded within the past five years.
  • Not previously held any comprehensive permanent professional academic posts.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the analysis of large datasets.
  • Strong STATA or R computing skills.
  • An ability to communicate academic research findings in accessible formats to varying audiences.
  • At least two working papers with published journal articles are an added advantage.
  • Interest in contributing to improvements in education policy.
  • Demonstrated interest in the field of education would be highly advantageous.
  • Familiarity with a range of education datasets (including administrative, early grade, and national assessment data) would be highly advantageous.

Applicants are required to submit:

  • A letter of application
  • A CV including details of any conference presentations, working papers and/or publications.
  • The names and contact details of 2 academic references who have taught/supervised the candidate at their university.

Value and Tenure

The value of the fellowship ranges from R350,000 to R450,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. The fellowship is renewable and contingent on satisfactory academic progress and the availability of funds. The University applies to the SARS for tax exemption on behalf of the successful candidate. The fellowship does not include any fringe benefits and relocation expenses are not covered by the fellowship. Flexibility on a start date can be considered.

Conditions of Award

The successful candidate will be required to:

  • Register as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in DataFirst at UCT.
  • Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with her/his Principal Investigator and adhere to the plans and agreements.
  • Comply with the University’s approved policies, procedures, and practices for the postdoctoral sector.

The closing date for receipt of applications is as soon as the position has been filled.

  • Enquiries and completed applications should be forwarded to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • The subject of your email must be AFLEARN Postdoc 2025.
  • Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.

 

The University of Cape Town reserves the right to disqualify ineligible, incomplete and/or inappropriate applications, to change the conditions of award and/or to make no award at all.

 


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