Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025 (Job ID: 6234) – (1924)

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites highly motivated and talented doctoral graduates to apply for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship within the School of Pathology, Division of Virology in Bloemfontein.

This fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to advance your academic or professional career in infectious disease research and translational protein science. If you have a passion for viral immunopathogenesis, antibody/protein engineering, and diagnostic development, this is for you!

The aim is to provide outstanding doctoral graduates with valuable research and innovation experience under the guidance of established researchers and in collaboration with international partners. The fellowship is highly competitive, considering your academic achievements, publication record, research potential, and relevant prior expertise. It is available for one year, with potential renewal for up to three years based on satisfactory performance.

About the University of the Free State (UFS)

The University of the Free State (UFS) is a leading South African institution committed to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. The Faculty of Health Sciences, specifically the School of Pathology, Division of Virology, is at the forefront of infectious disease research, contributing significantly to public health knowledge and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in areas such as protein design and expression, development of immunological and cell-based assays, experimental work in BSL-2 or BSL-3 environments, and analysis of clinical/experimental data in infectious disease research and translational protein science/diagnostics.
• Author or co-author at least three (3) DHET-accredited scholarly journal articles or book chapters annually. (Note: Renewal of the fellowship depends on satisfactory performance and submission of an annual progress report.)
• Initiate new projects and actively seek external funding opportunities.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral research fellow at UFS, participating in relevant activities of the Centre for Graduate Support and the Directorate of Research.
• Contribute to the academic environment by mentoring postgraduate students and engaging in school activities.

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• You must have graduated with a PhD degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Virology, Microbiology, or a closely related field within the last five years.
• Applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship period.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship, requiring you to spend 80% of your postdoctoral period at the UFS campus.

Fellowship Value

The successful candidate will receive an annual fellowship of R 300,000.

Application Process

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please email the following documents to Dr. Nigel Makoah at makoahna@ufs.ac.za by the closing date:

• A motivation letter (1-2 pages) outlining your relevant expertise and experience.
• Your full Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of research publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs.
• Full transcripts of your academic record and a copy of your doctoral degree certificate.
• A copy of your ID document (South African applicants) or passport (foreign applicants).
• Contact details for two academic referees who have taught or supervised your work.

Closing Date: 15 September 2025

Commencement: As soon as possible

Enquiries

For any questions regarding this fellowship, please contact:

Dr N.A. Makoah
Office: +27 (0)51 401 2546
E-mail: makoahna@ufs.ac.za

Important Information

The UFS is an Employment Equity (EE) employer and is dedicated to achieving excellence, diversity, and redress in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including individuals with disabilities.

The University processes personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). All personal information provided will be treated as confidential.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. Only applications from candidates who meet all inherent requirements will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you do not hear from the University within six weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.