Postdoctoral Research Fellowship renewable

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (1-year contract, renewable up to 3 years) (Job )

The University of the Free State invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Animal Science to conduct research in animal breeding, focusing on molecular genetics, rumen microbiome dynamics, and quantitative genetics.

• Conduct innovative research on genetic parameters estimation in livestock, genome‑wide association studies, genetic marker analysis, rumen microbiome diversity analysis, and animal production trials.
• Author or co‑author at least three scholarly publications annually in DHET–accredited journals or books.
• Initiate projects, seek funding, and prepare annual progress reports to secure fellowship renewal.
• Register as a postdoctoral research fellow at UFS Bloemfontein and participate in activities of the Centre for Graduate Support and the Directorate of Research.

• Open to South African and foreign nationals for full‑time research at UFS.
• PhD in a relevant discipline earned within the last five years.
• Must not hold any full‑time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Willing to relocate and reside in Bloemfontein for at least 80 % of the fellowship period.

• Annual fellowship remuneration of R 270,000.
• Additional R 30,000 research expenses fund.

• Motivation letter (1–2 pages) outlining research interests and relevant expertise.
• Full CV with list of research publications.
• Full transcripts and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• Copy of  (or passport for foreign applicants).
• Contact details of two academic referees who have supervised the candidate.

• Closing date: 31 July 2026.
• Commencement:
  As soon as possible thereafter.

Contact: Ms. Neriche Green, GreenNAK.za (cc Prof. Errol Cason, CasonED.za). All inquiries and applications should be submitted via email by the closing date.

General: The UFS is a designated employer committed to excellence, diversity, and equity. Preference will be given to candidates from under‑represented designated groups, including those with disabilities. The Employment Equity Plan is available at: ufs-employment-equity-.pdf.

Privacy: The University processes personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and will treat it confidentially in accordance with data subject rights.

Reservation: The University reserves the right not to fill the post. Applications that are incomplete or do not meet all inherent requirements will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates; if you are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.