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Policy Innovation Lab Postdoctoral Fellowship in Data Science & Policy Innovation at Stellenbosch University

  • Writer: Omran Aburayya
    Omran Aburayya
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

If you are a researcher with a passion for how data, AI, and policy intersect — and you want to contribute to socially impactful governance in South Africa — the Policy Innovation Lab Postdoctoral Fellowship in Data Science & Policy Innovation at Stellenbosch University is now open for applications and here's everything you need to know.



📚 Fellowship Summary

  • Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa (on-campus)

  • Host: Policy Innovation Lab, School for Data Science & Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University

  • Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship

  • Ideal Candidates: Those with PhD in data science, AI, computer science, statistics, economics, engineering, or related, with interest in responsible AI, public policy, and societal impact

  • Research Themes: Responsible AI for policymaking; use of AI in policy processes; shaping AI policy for ethical, inclusive, and accountable systems; combining qualitative and quantitative research; app/tool development for governance

  • Duration: 18 months (fixed-term)

  • Start Date: 1 January 2026

  • End Date: 30 June 2027

  • Stipend: R 420,000 per year (tax-free)

  • Application Deadline: 26 October 2025


🎓 Fellowship Overview

The Policy Innovation Lab at Stellenbosch is an interdisciplinary hub that merges data science, AI, policy research, and tool development. Its goals are twofold:

  1. Embed AI in policy processes — creating data-driven, intelligent systems to support governments and agencies in decision making.

  2. Shape AI governance & policy — ensuring that AI is developed and used responsibly, ethically, inclusively, and with accountability in public sector contexts.


Fellows will engage in:

  • Original research merging data science and policy questions

  • Building or refining AI / computational tools and platforms applicable to policy settings

  • Collaborations with policymakers, governmental or non-governmental organizations

  • Publication of peer-reviewed research

  • Participation in training, capacity building, and public engagement supported by the Lab

They will be part of a team, working closely with the project lead, Lab researchers, funders, and partner organizations.



🎁 Benefits

  • A tax-free stipend of R 420,000 annually (since fellows are not classified as employees)

  • A platform to produce high-impact research at the nexus of AI, data and governance

  • Access to an interdisciplinary environment bridging academia, policy, and civil society

  • Opportunity to influence policy and practice in South Africa through responsible AI

  • Engagement and collaboration with policymakers and sector experts

  • Infrastructure to develop AI tools and software geared to public policy use cases


✅ Eligibility Criteria & Desired Profile

Required / Minimum Criteria

  • Hold a PhD in engineering, data science, statistics, computer science, mathematics, economics or a closely related domain

  • Demonstrated strong programming ability 

  • Solid quantitative research skills and experience with data / AI methods

  • A track record or interest in applying technology for social or public impact 

  • Ability to collaborate in dynamic, interdisciplinary settings 

  • Willingness to relocate to Stellenbosch and conduct work on campus during regular hours

Desirable / Preferred Traits

  • Experience in combining qualitative and quantitative methods

  • Prior engagement in AI governance, ethics, or policy domains

  • Demonstrable ability to translate research into real-world policy tools

  • Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills



📝 Application Procedure

  1. Prepare your application package, including:

    • Cover letter (succinct, explaining your motivation, skills, alignment with the Lab’s themes)

    • Your recent CV

    • Proof of qualifications (PhD certificate, transcripts)

    • A letter of reference from your PhD supervisor

  2. Submit via email to Prof. Willem Fourie: willemf@sun.ac.za 

  3. Deadline: Applications must be received by 26 October 2025 


💡 Why This Fellowship Matters

  • This is a rare opportunity to operate at the frontier of AI + governance in an applied policy context — bridging research and practice.

  • The Lab works directly with policymakers in South Africa, giving fellows a chance to see real impact.

  • The theme of responsible AI and ethical governance is central in global debates — your work here can contribute to shaping how governments use technology fairly and transparently.

  • The tax-free stipend structure (not an employee appointment) means you receive the full financial benefit of the fellowship without employee deductions.

  • Because the duration is 18 months, it offers both short-term impact and enough time to embed in a project, publish, and build networks.

  • The Lab’s public profile (including its tools, AI for Policy platform, citizen data tools) suggests you may engage in tool development, design, and deployment besides pure research.





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