Hey future researchers! Are you a brilliant mind with a PhD, looking for an amazing opportunity to dive deep into groundbreaking environmental microbial research? Well, get ready because the University of Fort Hare, in partnership with the SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, has an incredible research bursary for 2026 that could be perfect for you!
This isn’t your average student bursary; it’s a postdoctoral research fellowship designed for highly ambitious individuals ready to make a real impact. If you’ve got a relevant doctoral degree (preferably less than 5 years old) and a passion for environmental science, keep reading – this might just be your next big step!
Who Can Apply?
This bursary (officially a postdoctoral research fellowship) is specifically for talented young researchers who have already completed their doctoral degrees. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet these key requirements:
- You must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, ideally obtained within the last 5 years.
- You should have an excellent and advanced understanding of one of the following focal areas:
- Environmental Microbial Genomics: With a strong emphasis on bioinformatics, metagenomics profiling of microbial communities (bacteria/viruses/fungi), and antimicrobial resistance. You’ll need proven proficiency in bioinformatics pipelines and publications in high-impact journals.
- Environmental Toxicology: Focused on surveillance of environmental toxicants and risk assessments. Outstanding experience with analytical techniques (like modern GC-MS) and relevant publications is mandatory.
- Predictive Microbiology: In the water/food/infectious diseases nexus, emphasizing machine learning, microbiological/ecological/human health risk assessments, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, infectious disease modelling, and microbial computational intelligence. Quality publications in these areas are a must.
- You should be able to work independently, develop projects, and write competitive proposals for grants.
- An excellent publication record in your chosen focal area is essential.
- You must be fluent in written and spoken English.
The Centre is looking for individuals who are well-versed in cutting-edge techniques, capable of producing quality manuscripts for top journals, and able to mentor Master’s and PhD students.
What Does It Cover?
This research bursary offers substantial support for your postdoctoral journey:
- Financial Support: A generous amount of R300,000.00 per annum. The best part? This fellowship is tax-free, as per postdoctoral regulations in South Africa!
- Duration: The fellowship is initially for one year, with a probationary period of 6 months. But here’s the exciting bit – it’s renewable for up to 3 years, depending on your productivity and research output.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump into this incredible opportunity? Here’s how you can submit your application:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Make sure you have all these ready:
- The Title and Abstract of your doctoral thesis.
- A copy of your PhD degree certificate and any other relevant academic certificates.
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) that clearly highlights your experience in the specific focal area you’re applying for, along with a full list of your publications.
- The names and contact details of two referees. Importantly, one of these referees MUST be your doctoral thesis supervisor.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
All applications must be sent in writing via email to:
Prof Anthony I Okoh,
Director, SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre,
University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa.
Email: [email protected]
Please remember to also copy the Centre Administrator, Ms Piwe Ntlati, on your email: [email protected]
The closing date for applications is 31 December 2025. Don’t miss this deadline!
If you’re a passionate researcher with a PhD ready to make significant contributions to environmental science, this bursary is calling your name! Don’t let this incredible opportunity pass you by. Submit your application before the closing date, and while you’re at it, explore more life-changing bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
