Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Definition of a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Vaal University of Technology

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are normally awarded to individuals within five years of having achieved a doctoral degree. Postdoctoral Research Fellows are individuals who undertake research and gain professional experience for a future academic career, under the supervision and mentorship of a Principal Investigator. The purpose of the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is to provide an opportunity for experiential learning in research, which may serve as a path for further academic and professional development. Such extension depends on several factors, including the availability of funds.

JOB OPPORTUNITY: POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW

What a Fellowship Entails

VUT is developing its research culture. Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are provided by several different sources, including the Vaal University of Technology’s Research Committee, the NRF, the Claude Leon Foundation and a number of other external Foundations and agencies. Such an extension depends on several factors, including the availability of funds. Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are non-taxable unless they comply with the guidelines for “open scholarships” as set out by the South African Revenue Services. This means that fellowships must be granted without fringe benefits (Medical Aid), and no services are required of the successful candidate in return for the fellowship. In addition to this, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) who undertakes research for the benefit of an individual or corporation will not normally be granted tax exemption on the fellowship.

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Conditions of Award and advertising

The University, as a matter of policy, will advertise all opportunities for fellowships, so that free and fair competition is ensured.  It clearly outlines the terms of reference for all fellowships available to postdoctoral researchers at the Vaal University of Technology. Candidates will be notified in writing if successful, and an interview by committee members will be conducted before the Postdoctoral Fellows accept and sign their contracts. The line-manager of department or fund-holder must populate and complete this document. It is then submitted to the Research Office, where it will be approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation. A copy of this document, as well as a copy of the advertisement, will be submitted by the PDRF Office in the Postgraduate Centre and Funding Office to the South African Revenue Services along with a request for tax exemption.

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Registration, orientation and administration

Once a Fellowship has been offered to a postdoctoral researcher, the PDRF will be required to register at VUT at the beginning of their tenure and at the beginning of each subsequent academic year of their tenure. The registration process takes place in the Postgraduate Centre and Funding Office. Each PDRF will be required to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the university. This is a contractual agreement between the university and the PDRF and is legally binding. Similarly, the PDRF and the Principal Investigator will enter into a bilateral agreement called the Memorandum of Understanding. PDRFs, once registered with the university, are eligible to utilise the following university facilities: Library borrowing facilities, Parking facilities, Membership of sports and other clubs, Labs, IT Services

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