12 Postdoctoral Fellowship jobs in South Africa

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (1-year contract, renewable up to 2 years) Job ID: 6256

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State -> Faculty of Law -> Office of the Vice-Dean: Learning, Teaching, Innovation and Digitalisation

Contract Type

Contract

Occupational Level

Temporary

Location

Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

30/11/2025

Description

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Office of the Vice-Dean: Learning, Teaching, Innovation and Digitalisation in the Faculty of Law. Candidates interested in pursuing an academic or professional career in (research) Law, with special research interests in teaching, learning, innovation and digitalisation are encouraged to apply.

The fellowship will enable an outstanding doctoral graduate to obtain experience in research and innovation at a higher education institution under the mentorship of established researchers.

The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, considering the applicants' academic achievements, publication outputs and research potential, as well as the relevance of prior experience and expertise. The fellowship is available for a period of one year, renewable for up to two years subject to satisfactory performance and available funding.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct original, innovative and impactful research linked to the Vice-Dean's portfolio.
• Generate high-quality, DHET-accredited outputs contributing to national and international debates on teaching, learning, and digitalisation in higher education. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
• Participate in research projects and seek funding for them.
• Register and reside as postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research.

Eligibility criteria:

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Graduated with an LLD or PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of their postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Competencies

To apply, please email the following documentation by 30 November 2025 to Dr. Jacques Matthee at

• Motivation letter, including a 1–2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly output.
• Full transcripts of academic record and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.

Value of the fellowship:

• R Annual Fellowship.
• R30 000 Additional Research Expenses.

Commencement of fellowship:

01 February 2026

Closing date:

30 November 2025

Enquiries:

Email: Dr. Jacques Matthee at

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: UFS EEA13 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

How to apply to this job

To apply, please email the following documentation by 30 November 2025 to Dr. Jacques Matthee at

• Motivation letter, including a 1–2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly output.
• Full transcripts of academic record and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.

• Design and execute experiments or studies aligned with the ARC research agenda.


• Analyse data and interpret results using appropriate methodologies


• Contribute to multi-disciplinary or cross-institutional research initiatives.


• Write and submit articles to peer-reviewed journals.


• Present at conferences, seminars, and workshops.


• Mentor postgraduate (MSc/PhD) students or interns.


• Data analysis.


• Assist in preparing funding proposals and research grant applications.


• Attend workshops, training sessions, and seminars to build skills in areas like project management, scientific writing, or advanced research techniques.


• Engage in collaborative research and knowledge exchange.


• Submit regular progress reports to supervisors.


• Compliance to Research integrity and ethics.

Requirements

• PhD (awarded within the last 5 years) in Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Plant Production or a related field.


• Two (2) peer-reviewed publications.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

REMUNARATION

• R350 000 per annum (taxable)

 Enquiries: Dr Meshack Mofokeng Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 01 OCTOBER 2025

 A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance (as well as competency and leadership assessments).

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees.  Certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form.

A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The organization reserves the right not to appoint.

• Research Capacity Training through student support.


• Research Methodologies for conducting research.


• Quantitative data analysis.


• Qualitative data analysis.


• Research proposal development.


• Writing articles for publications.


• Writing grant applications.


• Compliance to Research integrity and ethics.

• PhD Environmental Management majoring in Remote Sensing,Obtained within the last 5 years.

• Authored or co-Authored a minimum of two peer review scientific publications in a related filed.

Enquiries: . Regina Makhura Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 01 OCTOBER 2025

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance (as well as competency and leadership assessments).

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees.  Certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form.

A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. The organization reserves the right not to appoint.

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science (Job ID 6246)

Organizational Unit

University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Department Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science

Contract Type

Contract

Occupational Level

Junior Management

Location

Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

30/9/2025

Description

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science. Candidates interested in pursuing an academic or professional career in statistical research, with special research interest in bayesian modelling and mixed models are encouraged to apply.

The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account the applicants' academic achievements, publication outputs and research potential, as well as the relevance of prior experience and expertise. The fellowship is available for a period of one year, renewable for up to three years subject to satisfactory performance.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research in bayesian modelling.
• Author/co-author at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of DHET– accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
• Initiate projects and seek funding for them.
• Register and reside as postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Sciences.

Eligibility requirements:

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Graduated with a PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Value of the fellowship:

• R annual fellowship
• R additional research expenses fund

Competencies

Application:

To apply, please email the following documentation by 30 September 2025 to Prof. Fabio Correa )

• Motivation letter, including a 1-2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly outputs demonstrating relevant experience in the field of Conservation Genetics.
• Full transcripts of academic record and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.

Closing date:

30 September 2025.

Commencement of fellowship:

02 January 2026

For enquiries, please contact:

Prof. Fabio Correa at

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at: EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University and SAMRC reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

How to apply to this job

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in Biotechnology/Microbiology or related fields
• Experience in water and health
• Minimum of 2 articles journal articles

Recommendations:

• Experience in health-related water microbiology
• Experience in wastewater microbiology
• Experience in molecular biology techniques
• Publication in high impact factor journals

Summary of duties:

• Publication in leading high impact factor journals
• Designing and conducting research in wastewater-based epidemiology
• Assisting in community engagement activities
• Assisting with the preparation of grant applications, proposals, presentations, and progress
• Supervision/co-supervision of postgraduate students
• Provide guidance, advice and technical assistance to students and staff in developing their research techniques.
• Conducting individual or collaborative research

Please complete an official application for employment form obtainable from our website and send a detailed CV and a covering letter with the exact name of the post you are applying for to:

• Application is open to South African citizens and permanent residents only
• Communication will be entered into with short-listed candidates
• Only applications made on our application for employment form would be considered

"While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be in terms of the University's equity policy" "The University reserves the right not to appoint"

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in Biotechnology/Microbiology or related fields
• Expert knowledge in algal biotechnology
• Minimum of three (3) years work experience in a research environment
• Minimum of 5 in the field of algal biotechnology

Recommendations:

• Knowledge of applied algal technology and physiology
• Knowledge of large-scale algal cultivation
• Knowledge of algal physiology
• Publication in high impact factor journals

Summary of duties:

• Publication in leading high impact factor journals
• Designing and conducting research in algal biotechnology
• Operation of large-scale algal raceway pond systems
• Assisting with the preparation of grant applications, proposals, presentations, and progress
• Supervision/co-supervision of postgraduate students
• Provide guidance, advice and technical assistance to students and staff in developing their research techniques.
• Conducting individual or collaborative research

Please complete an official application for employment form obtainable from our website and send a detailed CV and a covering letter with the exact name of the post you are applying for to:

• Application is open to South African citizens and permanent residents only
• Communication will be entered into with short-listed candidates
• Only applications made on our application for employment form would be considered

"While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be in terms of the University's equity policy" "The University reserves the right not to appoint"

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in Biotechnology/Microbiology or related fields
• Experience in algal biotechnology and phycoremediation

Recommendations:

• Knowledge of applied algal technology
• Knowledge of using algae for industrial wastewater treatment
• Publications in the field of algal biotechnology

Summary of duties:

• Publication in leading high impact factor journals
• Designing and conducting research in algal biotechnology
• Assisting in the operation of large-scale algal raceway pond systems
• Assisting with the preparation of grant applications, proposals, presentations, and progress
• Supervision/co-supervision of postgraduate students
• Provide guidance, advice and technical assistance to students and staff in developing their research techniques.
• Conducting individual or collaborative research

Please complete an official application for employment form obtainable from our website and send a detailed CV and a covering letter with the exact name of the post you are applying for to:

• Application is open to South African citizens and permanent residents only
• Communication will be entered into with short-listed candidates
• Only applications made on our application for employment form would be

"While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be in terms of the University's equity policy" "The University reserves the right not to appoint"

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD in Biotechnology/Microbiology or related fields
• Experience in molecular biology and bioinformatics
• Experience in metabolomics
• Minimum of 2 articles journal articles

Recommendations:

• Experience in metagenomics and metabolomics
• Experience in algae-soil-plant interactions
• Publication in high impact factor journals

Summary of duties:

• Publication in leading high impact factor journals
• Coordinating and managing bioinformatics platform within the institute
• Designing and conducting research in biofertilizer and bioinoculants
• Assisting with the preparation of grant applications, proposals, presentations, and progress
• Supervision/co-supervision of postgraduate students
• Provide guidance, advice and technical assistance to students and staff in developing their research techniques.
• Conducting individual or collaborative research

Please complete an official application for employment form obtainable from our website and send a detailed CV and a covering letter with the exact name of the post you are applying for to:

• Application is open to South African citizens and permanent residents only
• Communication will be entered into with short-listed candidates
• Only applications made on our application for employment form would be considered

"While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be in terms of the University's equity policy" "The University reserves the right not to appoint"

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

The Centre for Broadband Communication (CBC) is a research unit within the Physics Department at Nelson Mandela University. Established in 2015, the Centre works in close collaboration with industry partners, the National Research Foundation, and the CSIR. Its research is multi-disciplinary, focusing on the application of optical fiber, photonics, and wireless technologies for advancing communication systems and optical sensing.

The CBC is strategically positioning itself to further enhance both its research profile and its community engagement activities. The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong research record in optical fiber characterization and optical communication technologies.

Responsibilities will include:

Conducting research and contributing to international research collaborations.

Supervising MSc and PhD students.

Participating in community and industry engagement programmes.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Conduct high-quality research that results in publications in DHET-accredited journals.

Develop prototypes and carry out field testing for HIRAX and other projects aligned with the Centre for Broadband Communication (CBC) focus areas.

Supervise postgraduate students.

Contribute to institutional research capacity-building initiatives.

Compete successfully for external research funding.

Participate in engagement activities with industry, community, and other stakeholders.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor postgraduate students within a university environment.

Extensive practical experience and deep understanding of optical fiber technologies.

Proven track record in applying advanced optical fiber research techniques across diverse areas, including communications, sensing, time and frequency metrology, geosciences, radio telescope networks, and manufacturing.

Skilled in the measurement and simulation of optical fiber systems, including analysis of BER, PMD, CD, polarization effects, PON, WDM, and EDFA performance.

Strong skills in the interfacing of equipment and related programming will be an advantage.

Experienced in guiding students through innovative research and development projects.

REQUIREMENTS

Ph.D. in Optical Fibre Networks, Optical Communications, or Radio Frequency (RF) Engineering.

Completion of at least one year in a Postdoctoral research program.

Proven experience in supervising postgraduate candidates.

A minimum of five (5) peer-reviewed journal publications.

Demonstrated research expertise in one or more of the following areas:

o

Optical fiber communication systems and networks

o

RF and microwave technologies

Proven ability to conduct independent research and publish in high-impact journals.

Proficiency in MATLAB or Python programming is an added advantage.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.