Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Bioinformatics under the DSTI/NRF SARChI Chair in Water Quality and Environmental Genomics at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa

The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) is pleased to inform the University community of a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Bioinformatics under the DSTI/NRF SARChI Chair in Water Quality and Environmental Genomics at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. The fellowship forms part of the Chair’s environmental genomics research agenda and seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in bioinformatics and microbial genomics.

Research Focus

The successful candidate will contribute to research in:

• Genome-resolved and functional metagenomics
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS), phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses
• Characterisation of microbial communities, including pathogens of epidemiological relevance
• Application of big data analytics in microbial and environmental genomics

Eligibility / Selection Criteria

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in Bioinformatics or Genomics
• Strong wet-lab microbiology skills, including nucleic acid extraction and library preparation
• Expertise in bioinformatics pipelines (e.g. Illumina, MiSeq, Sanger) and meta-omics data analysis
• Experience with statistical analysis of NGS data
• Hands-on experience with 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing data analysis
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and Java
• Evidence of relevant publications in bioinformatics
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

 Award Amount and Duration

• Fellowship value: ZAR 300,000 per annum (tax-free, in line with postdoctoral regulations)
• Initial duration: One (1) year, with a 6-month probationary period
• Renewal: Renewable for up to three (3) years, subject to satisfactory performance and productivity.

 Application Requirements

Applications must include:

• Title and abstract of doctoral thesis
• Copy of PhD degree certificate and other relevant certificates
• Comprehensive CV, including bioinformatics experience and full list of publications
• Names and contact details of two referees, one of whom must be the doctoral supervisor

 Deadline

📅 31 January 2026

 How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply by email to aokoh@ufh.ac.za with PNtlati@ufh.ac.za in copy.

 RID encourages suitably qualified early-career researchers in bioinformatics, genomics, microbiology, and related fields to consider this opportunity. All interested person(s) are to communicate their intention to submit an application to RID Grants Management Office at rid-grantsmgt@ug,edu.gh with jobappiah@ug.edu.gh in copy.