Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Genetics at the University of the Free State
The University of the Free State (UFS) is looking for a bright, recent PhD graduate to join its Genetics Department for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. If you love studying fungi and want to use your skills to help people in Africa, this job could be the right fit for you. The fellowship is based in Bloemfontein and gives you a chance to grow your own research projects while working with experienced scientists.
What the job looks like
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Genetics
- Contract: One‑year term, can be renewed each year up to three years if you perform well
- Start date: 1 April 2026
- Job ID: 6323
- Closing date: 31 January 2026
- Location: Bloemfontein campus, Free State, South Africa
The role is competitive. The university will pick the applicant who shows the best mix of academic grades, research papers, and a strong link to the department’s key topics.
What you’ll research
You’ll work on projects that fit into one or more of these areas:
- Fungal genomics and transcriptomics
- Fungal biosystematics
- Medicinal fungi
- Mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins
- Mushroom cultivation
All projects should help answer questions that matter to African communities—things like food security, health, and the natural environment.
Your day‑to‑day tasks
- Do cutting‑edge research in your chosen topic.
- Publish at least three papers a year that are approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training.
- Write yearly reports to show how the fellowship is progressing.
- Start new projects and look for outside money to support them.
- Live at UFS for most of your time (at least 80%).
- Take part in meetings with the Centre for Graduate Support and the Directorate of Research.
Who can apply
The fellowship welcomes South Africans and people from other countries. To qualify you need to have:
- A PhD in a related field earned within the last five years.
- Availability for full‑time research at UFS—you can’t be working another paid job at the same time.
- Willingness to move to UFS for the fellowship period.
- Commitment to staying on campus for most of the time.
What the fellowship pays
- A yearly stipend of R270 000.
- An extra R30 000 to cover research expenses.
These amounts cover living costs and the tools you’ll need for your experiments.
How to apply
Send a complete application by e‑mail to:
Prof. Marieka Gryzenhout – email: Gryzenhoutm@ufs.ac.za
Include the following:
- A motivation letter with a 1–2 page summary of your skills and experience.
- A full CV that lists all publications, conference talks, and other academic work.
- Official transcripts and a copy of your PhD certificate.
- A copy of your South African ID or a passport if you’re international.
- Contact details for two academic referees who can speak about your work.
If your application is missing any of these items, it will not be considered.
Equality and privacy
UFS values diversity and works to give chances to people from under‑represented groups, including those with disabilities. All information you send will be handled under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Quick facts
- Job type: Temporary research position
- Duration: 1 year, renewable for up to 3 years
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
- Application deadline: 31 January 2026
Only candidates who are selected for an interview will hear back. If you do not get a message within six weeks after the deadline, you can assume your application was not successful.
This fellowship offers a real chance to build a research career in South Africa while tackling important questions about fungi and their role in our ecosystems and health. If you are ready to dive into real scientific work and make a difference, send your application before the end of January. Good luck!