The University of the Free State (UFS) invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Genetics. This opportunity is aimed at outstanding recent doctoral graduates who wish to build an academic or professional research career in fungal genomics and related applications, with a strong focus on the African research context.
Closing Date: 31 January 2026
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State
The fellowship offers advanced research training under the mentorship of established researchers and provides a structured pathway for research output, funding development, and academic growth within a higher education environment.
Fellowship Overview
Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Department of Genetics
Contract Type: 1-year contract (renewable annually up to 3 years, subject to performance)
Occupational Level: Temporary
Commencement Date: 01 April 2026
Job ID: 6323
This fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, considering academic excellence, research output, publication record, and alignment with the department’s research focus.
Research Focus Areas
Successful candidates will conduct innovative research in one or more of the following areas:
- Fungal genomics and transcriptomics
- Fungal biosystematics
- Medicinal fungi
- Mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins
- Mushroom cultivation
Research should contribute to scientific knowledge and applications relevant to African ecosystems, health, and agriculture.
Duties and Responsibilities
Postdoctoral fellows will be expected to:
- Conduct high-quality, innovative research in the identified focus areas
- Produce at least three DHET-accredited publication outputs per year (journal articles or scholarly books/chapters)
- Submit annual progress reports to support fellowship renewal
- Initiate research projects and actively seek external funding
- Register and reside as a postdoctoral fellow at UFS
- Participate in activities of the Centre for Graduate Support and the Directorate of Research
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Open to South African and international applicants
- PhD degree in a relevant discipline, obtained within the last five years
- Available for full-time research at the University of the Free State
- May not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship
- Willing and able to relocate to UFS for the duration of the fellowship
- This is a residential fellowship, requiring at least 80% physical presence at UFS
Value of the Fellowship
The fellowship provides the following financial support:
- R270 000 annual fellowship stipend
- R30 000 additional research expenses fund
These funds are intended to support living costs and research-related activities.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Motivation letter, including a 1–2 page outline of relevant expertise and experience
- Full curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs
- Full academic transcripts and copy of PhD degree certificate
- Copy of South African ID or passport (for international applicants)
- Contact details of two academic referees who have supervised or taught the applicant
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email.
Email applications to:
Gryzenhoutm@ufs.ac.za
Contact Person:
Prof. Marieka Gryzenhout
Application Closing Date: 31 January 2026
Employment Equity and Data Protection
The University of the Free State is a designated employer committed to equity, diversity, and redress in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including persons with disabilities.
All personal information will be processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Important Notice
- The University reserves the right not to fill the position
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- If you are not contacted within six weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful
This postdoctoral fellowship presents a valuable opportunity for emerging researchers to strengthen their academic profile while contributing to cutting-edge genetics research in South Africa.
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