20 January 2026
The establishment of a DST-NRF SARChI research chair in Science Communication at Stellenbosch University in January 2015 significantly developed the field of science communication in South Africa. Professor Mehita Iqani, an expert in media, communications, and cultural studies, was appointed as the Chairholder from January 2022. The SARChI SciCom is hosted at the Centre for Science Communication in the Journalism & Media Studies Department.
We invite applications for one postdoctoral fellow who will work closely with the Prof Iqani to advance knowledge and analysis under the theme “science communication for social justice”.
Under this research agenda, the focus will be on action-research best practice science communication projects, with a special affordance to the possibilities offered by creative modalities, and communications research on social justice issues to which science is central, specifically: 1) climate and the environment, including topics such as urban sustainability, renewable energy and activism; 2) health and happiness, including topics such as vaccine cultures, eco-anxiety, waste and pollution; 3) equity and inequality, integrating race and gender in the scientific public, ethical consumption and rural communities.
The role will entail supporting Professor Iqani on various Chair research projects, including curriculum development, as well as publishing from within the Fellow’s existing research profile. A minimum of four academic publications (one per quarter) should be prepared during each year of the fellowship.
Anyone who has completed a PhD in the last five years may apply. A completed PhD on a topic relevant to some aspect of science and society in the fields of media, communications and journalism, the applied arts, critical cultural theory, or strategic communication, will be a recommendation, though we will consider applicants with a background in any field of science who can display evidence of experience and/or aptitude in communications. We welcome candidates with interdisciplinary interests.
Applicants should send a one-page motivation letter, including a writing plan demonstrating how you will prepare four publications each year, and a comprehensive curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and the names and contact details of two referees, to Professor Mehita Iqani. You must also request both your referees to forward confidential reports to the same email address.
The fellowship will be awarded for an initial period of two years. The position is located at Stellenbosch University, South Africa and regular presence on campus is expected. Applications will remain open until the post is filled. Preference will be given to equity candidates.