University of Johannesburg Short-Term Research Positions 2026: Apply for the DSI/NRF SARChI Innovation Agencies in Africa Research Project

The DSI/NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in Transformative Innovation, the 4IR and Sustainable Development at the University of Johannesburg is inviting applications for ten short-term research positions for researchers interested in contributing to a focused research assignment examining innovation agencies in Africa.

The opportunity is designed for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers who possess the academic background, research capabilities and analytical skills required to contribute to an intensive research project.

Successful applicants will be appointed for a four-month research assignment and will support the development of focused literature reviews, policy reviews and analytical work examining themes relevant to the role of innovation agencies in supporting economic and societal transformation across Africa.

Applications must be submitted by 21 August 2026.

About the DSI/NRF SARChI Research Opportunity at the University of Johannesburg

The opportunity is offered through the DSI/NRF SARChI in Transformative Innovation, the 4IR and Sustainable Development, based at the University of Johannesburg.

The research initiative is seeking ten researchers to undertake a short-term assignment focused on developing knowledge and analysis around innovation agencies in Africa.

Innovation agencies can play an important role in supporting technological advancement, innovation systems, economic development and broader societal transformation. Understanding how these institutions operate, the policies that influence them, and the ways innovation is financed, governed and evaluated is therefore important for understanding Africa’s evolving innovation landscape.

Researchers selected for this project will contribute to a focused body of research exploring these issues from several complementary perspectives.

Rather than concentrating on only one aspect of innovation, the project identifies multiple research themes spanning innovation policy, green transitions, digital transformation, financing, evaluation and institutional experimentation.

Research Focus: Innovation Agencies in Africa

The central focus of the short-term research assignment is the role of innovation agencies in supporting economic and societal transformation in Africa.

Researchers will be expected to undertake focused literature and policy reviews, identify relevant evidence and debates, synthesise existing knowledge, and prepare written contributions that can feed into the project’s publications and other research outputs.

The advertised areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following themes.

1. Innovation and Green Transitions

One area of research concerns the relationship between innovation and green transitions.

This theme can involve examining how innovation systems, institutions and policies contribute to transitions towards more sustainable economic and development models.

Researchers positioned within this theme may therefore engage with academic and policy literature concerning innovation, sustainability, institutional change and the role of innovation agencies in facilitating or supporting green economic transformation.

2. Digital Transformation

The project is also interested in digital transformation.

Digital technologies continue to reshape economies, institutions, industries and societies. Within the context of innovation agencies, researchers may examine relevant literature and policy debates surrounding digitalisation and the institutions responsible for encouraging or facilitating innovation.

The theme provides an opportunity to explore how innovation agencies fit into the broader process of technological and economic transformation occurring across African economies.

3. Inclusive Innovation

Another identified research area is inclusive innovation.

Innovation does not automatically generate equally distributed economic or social benefits. Inclusive innovation therefore represents an important area of research when examining how innovation policies and institutions can contribute to broader societal development.

Researchers working in this area will contribute to understanding the relationship between innovation, inclusion and economic or societal transformation within African contexts.

4. Innovation in Policy and Policy Experimentation

The project also identifies innovation in policy and policy experimentation as an area of interest.

This theme recognises that innovation is not limited to technologies, products or businesses. Governments and public institutions can also experiment with new policy approaches, institutional arrangements and mechanisms for supporting innovation.

Research within this theme may examine relevant debates and evidence concerning policy experimentation and innovative approaches to governance and policymaking.

5. Innovation Indicators and Measurement

Another research area concerns innovation indicators and measurement.

Measuring innovation is essential for governments, researchers, policymakers and development institutions seeking to understand whether innovation systems and interventions are producing meaningful outcomes.

Researchers working within this theme may examine approaches used to measure innovation, the indicators applied to innovation systems and the challenges associated with evaluating innovation activity and outcomes.

6. The Evolving Role of Innovation Agencies and Innovation Policy in Africa

The project is particularly concerned with the evolving role of innovation agencies and innovation policy in Africa.

Innovation agencies can occupy an important position between governments, researchers, businesses, entrepreneurs and other actors within innovation ecosystems.

Understanding how their roles are changing is consequently an important component of understanding the broader development of African innovation systems.

Researchers contributing to this theme may examine existing evidence and policy debates surrounding innovation agencies, their mandates, institutional structures and changing roles within African economies.

7. Innovation Financing

Innovation financing is another important area included in the research assignment.

Access to financing can significantly affect the development, adoption and scaling of innovative ideas and technologies. The mechanisms through which innovation is financed can consequently influence the effectiveness of innovation systems.

Researchers focusing on this theme will contribute to the broader examination of how financing relates to innovation agencies and innovation policy.

What Will Selected Researchers Be Expected to Do?

The successful researchers will undertake an intensive research assignment rather than simply participating in general discussions about innovation.

According to the opportunity announcement, researchers will be expected to conduct focused literature and policy reviews.

This means successful applicants should be prepared to identify, review and synthesise relevant academic literature, policy documents, evidence and debates relating to their allocated research theme.

Researchers will also be expected to contribute written material to the project’s publications and other research outputs.

Key responsibilities will therefore include:

• Conducting focused reviews of relevant academic literature;
• Reviewing policies and policy-related evidence connected with the assigned research theme;
• Identifying and synthesising relevant evidence and debates;
• Undertaking analytical research related to innovation agencies and their contribution to economic and societal transformation;
• Producing clear, academically rigorous written work;
• Contributing written inputs to project publications;
• Contributing to other relevant research outputs;
• Working independently while meeting the agreed project requirements; and
• Completing assigned research deliverables within the project’s established timelines.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The opportunity is particularly relevant to individuals with postgraduate research experience and a strong interest in innovation, technology, development and public policy.

The University of Johannesburg’s announcement specifically indicates that the research opportunity is seeking PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers.

Applicants should have relevant postgraduate qualifications and research experience.

Because the appointment is deliverable-based and lasts only four months, candidates should also be comfortable undertaking focused research within defined timelines.

Academic and Research Requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a combination of relevant qualifications, research capabilities and subject knowledge.

Relevant Postgraduate Qualifications and Research Experience

Candidates should possess relevant postgraduate qualifications and research experience.

The announcement does not prescribe one specific postgraduate degree or academic discipline. Applicants should therefore consider how their qualifications and previous research experience relate to the research project’s themes.

Strong Academic Research Skills

Applicants should possess strong academic research skills.

This requirement is particularly important because successful researchers will be responsible for undertaking focused literature and policy reviews and synthesising relevant research evidence.

Strong Analytical Skills

The opportunity requires candidates who can critically analyse information rather than merely collect it.

Applicants should be capable of identifying important themes, arguments, evidence and debates within academic and policy literature and transforming that information into coherent research outputs.

Strong Writing Skills

Strong academic and professional writing abilities are also required.

Successful applicants will contribute written material to project publications and other research outputs. Candidates should therefore be capable of communicating complex research findings clearly, accurately and persuasively.

Relevant Areas of Knowledge

Applicants should demonstrate familiarity with one or more areas connected with the research project.

The announcement specifically identifies familiarity with:

• Innovation studies;
• Science, technology and innovation policy;
• Development studies; and
• Related fields.

Candidates whose postgraduate studies or professional research experience fall within closely related disciplines may therefore also be relevant, provided they can demonstrate a strong connection between their expertise and the project’s research themes.

Ability to Work Independently

Successful researchers must be able to work independently.

This is especially significant because the positions are short-term and deliverable-based. Researchers will need to manage their assigned work, undertake the necessary reviews and analysis, and produce high-quality outputs within the agreed schedule.

Applicants should therefore be comfortable taking responsibility for their individual research tasks while contributing to the objectives of a wider research project.

Importance of Meeting Agreed Timelines

The researchers must also be able to meet agreed timelines.

The entire appointment lasts four months, meaning the research will take place within a relatively concentrated period.

Candidates should carefully consider their availability before applying and ensure that they can commit sufficient time to completing the required research and written deliverables.

Number of Research Positions Available

A total of ten researchers are being sought for the project.

The availability of multiple positions reflects the breadth of the research agenda, which covers several interconnected themes related to innovation agencies, innovation policy and transformation in Africa.

Applicants should clearly identify the area or theme in which they believe their academic background and research expertise would provide the strongest contribution.

Duration of the Research Appointment

The advertised research positions have a duration of:

Four months

This is therefore a short-term research appointment designed around specific research deliverables rather than a permanent academic position.

Candidates should take the limited duration into consideration when preparing their applications.

Contract Type

The appointment will be structured as a:

Short-term, deliverable-based appointment.

A deliverable-based arrangement means successful researchers will be expected to produce specific research outputs within the agreed project period.

Applicants should consequently be confident in their ability to organise independent research and deliver high-quality written work according to established deadlines.

Remuneration

Successful researchers will receive remuneration in accordance with applicable University of Johannesburg rates.

The announcement does not specify a fixed salary, stipend or total payment amount.

Applicants should therefore avoid assuming a particular remuneration figure. Further information concerning applicable rates and payment arrangements may be communicated by the University of Johannesburg as part of the appointment process.

How to Apply for the University of Johannesburg Short-Term Research Positions

The application process requires candidates to prepare and submit two main documents:

1. A Curriculum Vitae (CV); and
2. A short motivation letter.

Both documents are important because they will help demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications, research experience and suitability for the project’s research themes.

What to Include in the Motivation Letter

Applicants should pay particular attention to the motivation letter.

The announcement asks applicants to submit a short motivation letter that clearly describes their areas of expertise and identifies the theme or themes on which they would be well positioned to undertake a focused thematic review.

The motivation letter should therefore clearly establish the connection between the applicant’s experience and the research project.

Applicants should consider addressing:

• Their principal areas of academic or professional research expertise;
• Their relevant postgraduate research background;
• Experience with academic literature reviews or policy reviews;
• Relevant knowledge of innovation studies, science, technology and innovation policy, development studies or related disciplines;
• The specific research theme or themes that best match their expertise;
• Why their experience positions them to conduct a focused thematic review;
• Relevant publications, research projects or policy work, where applicable; and
• Their ability to undertake independent, high-quality research within the four-month appointment period.

Candidates should avoid submitting an overly generic motivation letter. The advertisement specifically asks applicants to identify the theme or themes on which they would be well positioned to work, making this an important element of the application.

Where to Submit Applications

Applications should be submitted by email to:

UJTRCTISubmissions@uj.ac.za

Applicants should ensure that both their CV and short motivation letter are included before sending the application.

Candidates may also wish to verify that their contact information is current and clearly presented in their CV so that they can be contacted regarding the application if necessary.

Application Deadline: 21 August 2026

The deadline for applications is:

21 August 2026

Prospective applicants should aim to submit their materials before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

Before submitting, applicants should carefully review their CV and motivation letter to ensure that their research expertise and preferred thematic area are clearly explained.

Key Details at a Glance

• Institution: University of Johannesburg
• Research initiative: DSI/NRF SARChI in Transformative Innovation, the 4IR and Sustainable Development
• Research project: Innovation Agencies in Africa
• Number of researchers sought: 10
• Duration: Four months
• Contract: Short-term, deliverable-based appointment
• Remuneration: In accordance with applicable University of Johannesburg rates
• Required application documents: CV and short motivation letter
• Application email: UJTRCTISubmissions@uj.ac.za
• Application deadline: 21 August 2026

Why This Research Opportunity Is Significant

This short-term research opportunity provides researchers with the chance to contribute to an important area of scholarship and policy analysis concerning Africa’s innovation landscape.

The research themes span some of the most important contemporary issues affecting innovation systems, including digital transformation, green transitions, inclusion, innovation financing, policy experimentation and the measurement of innovation.

The project’s emphasis on innovation agencies is particularly important because these institutions can help connect public policy objectives with research, technological development, entrepreneurship, financing and broader economic transformation.

For PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers whose expertise aligns with these themes, the assignment provides an opportunity to apply their research capabilities to a focused project addressing innovation and transformation in an African context.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants should ensure that their submissions respond directly to the requirements contained in the announcement.

A strong application should demonstrate clear alignment between the candidate’s expertise and at least one of the project’s identified themes.

Before submitting, candidates should:

1. Update their CV to highlight postgraduate qualifications, research experience, publications and relevant policy or academic work.
2. Identify their strongest research theme or themes from the areas listed in the announcement.
3. Tailor the motivation letter to explain precisely how their expertise relates to those themes.
4. Highlight research and analytical capabilities, particularly experience conducting literature reviews, policy reviews or related academic research.
5. Demonstrate strong writing experience by highlighting publications, reports, policy papers, dissertations, theses or other substantial research outputs where relevant.
6. Show evidence of independent research experience, since successful applicants must be able to work independently.
7. Confirm availability for the four-month appointment, taking into account the deliverable-based nature of the research.
8. Review all application documents carefully before emailing them to the specified submission address.

Important Information for Applicants

Applicants should rely on the official opportunity announcement when preparing their submissions.

The advertisement specifies the broad research themes, qualifications, application documents, duration, remuneration arrangement, submission email and deadline. However, it does not provide detailed information about matters such as the exact remuneration amount, individual deliverables for each researcher, work location requirements or a detailed selection timetable.

Applicants should therefore avoid making assumptions about conditions that have not been specified in the announcement.

Conclusion

The University of Johannesburg DSI/NRF SARChI short-term research positions for the Innovation Agencies in Africa project present a valuable opportunity for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers with expertise related to innovation, science and technology policy, development studies and associated disciplines.

With ten research positions available, the project will bring together researchers to undertake focused literature and policy reviews examining how innovation agencies can contribute to economic and societal transformation across Africa.

The research encompasses a wide range of important themes, including innovation and green transitions, digital transformation, inclusive innovation, policy experimentation, innovation indicators and measurement, innovation financing, and the evolving role of innovation agencies and innovation policy in Africa.

Successful researchers will be appointed for four months under a short-term, deliverable-based arrangement and will receive remuneration according to applicable University of Johannesburg rates.

Interested applicants must prepare a CV and short motivation letter clearly explaining their areas of expertise and identifying the research theme or themes for which they are best positioned to undertake a focused thematic review.

Applications should be emailed to UJTRCTISubmissions@uj.ac.za no later than 21 August 2026.

Researchers who meet the requirements and whose expertise aligns with the project’s themes should prepare their applications promptly and ensure that their submissions clearly demonstrate the relevance of their qualifications, research experience and thematic expertise.

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