The Global Environmental Law Centre (GELC) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Faculty of Law, is inviting applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025–2027
Exciting Postdoctoral Opportunity in Environmental & Climate Change Law
The Global Environmental Law Centre (GELC) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Faculty of Law, is inviting applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship for the period 2025–2027. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic, innovative, and growing centre dedicated to advancing legal scholarship and education on global environmental challenges, particularly in the context of the Anthropocene.
Position Overview
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be part of a vibrant academic community focused on tackling critical environmental and climate change issues through legal research. As a member of the GELC, the fellow will contribute to cutting-edge research, support teaching, and collaborate in creating meaningful legal solutions to pressing global environmental challenges.
We’re Looking for a Scholar Who:
- Holds a PhD/LLD in Environmental Law, Climate Change Law, or a related field.
- Has a strong publication record or promising work under review, with a focus on environmental and climate change law.
- Demonstrates a passion for teaching, curriculum development, and postgraduate supervision.
- Brings experience or interest in research collaboration, academic events, and fostering international partnerships within the legal academia.
Key Responsibilities:
The selected Postdoctoral Fellow will take on a variety of responsibilities that combine research, teaching, and academic networking, including:
Independent and Collaborative Research:
The fellow will conduct both independent and collaborative research on key issues within environmental and climate change law, with an emphasis on global and regional legal frameworks addressing the Anthropocene and related environmental challenges.
Publishing in Peer-Reviewed Journals:
As part of the role, the fellow will be expected to publish research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the broader academic conversation on environmental and climate change law.
Teaching and Supervising:
The fellow will engage in teaching within the Master’s in Environmental Law program, mentoring postgraduate students, and contributing to the academic development of the next generation of environmental law scholars.
Supporting GELC Events, Curriculum Design, and Research Networks:
The Postdoctoral Fellow will help in organizing and supporting academic events, conferences, and seminars that promote environmental law scholarship. Additionally, the fellow will participate in the design and development of curricula and collaborate in fostering research networks both locally and internationally.
Additional Information:
- Application Deadline: 4 April 2025
- Salary: R240,000 per annum (tax-free)
- Position Type: In-residence, full-time position at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
- Duration: Two-year fellowship (2025–2027)
This is an outstanding opportunity for scholars passionate about advancing legal scholarship on environmental and climate change law while contributing to an impactful, internationally recognized research centre. The fellowship will provide a conducive environment for intellectual growth, collaboration, and leadership in the field of global environmental law.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application, including a CV, cover letter, research proposal, and details of three references by the deadline of 4 April 2025. Apply by sending your documents to [email protected] AND COPY [email protected]
Join the Global Environmental Law Centre at the University of the Western Cape and help shape the future of environmental and climate change law in the Anthropocene!
