Postdoctoral Fellowship in Allergology and Clinical Immunology 2026 – A chance to work on cutting‑edge research that could save lives in South Africa and beyond. If you’re a recent PhD graduate in biomedical sciences, this is your ticket to hands‑on experience with genomics, AI and clinical data in one of the country’s top hospitals. Apply before the deadline to be considered for this prestigious fellowship.
What is the Fellowship?
Utrecht University of Cape Town (UCT) is offering a one‑year, full‑time postdoctoral fellowship, funded by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). Under the guidance of Professor Jonny Peter, head of the Division of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, you will investigate delayed drug hypersensitivity—particularly severe skin reactions caused by first‑line anti‑TB drugs—in settings where TB and HIV are common.
Who Should Apply?
- Hold a PhD in Biomedical Sciences or a closely related field obtained within the last five years.
- Have strong skills in analysing omics data such as proteomics and transcriptomics.
- Show experience building AI‑based imaging models (or be willing to learn).
- Possess solid research and analytical abilities.
- Preferable, but not mandatory: project‑management experience and a background in human or clinical research.
- Must be a South African citizen or an African applicant with a valid study status.
- Should not have held a full‑time permanent academic or professional post before.
What You Will Gain
- Hands‑on experience with multi‑omics data analysis and AI imaging in a real‑world clinical setting.
- Opportunity to publish papers and contribute to grant writing.
- A stipend of R590,321 per annum to support your living expenses during the fellowship.
- Professional networking with clinicians, researchers and industry partners at Groote Schuur Hospital and the UCT Lung Institute.
- Evidence of your capability to manage complex research projects—useful for future academic or industry roles.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Prepare the following documents:
- A letter of application that outlines your research interests and how they match the project.
- Your full CV.
- Academic transcripts.
- Names and contact details of two referees.
- Email your application package to wisahl.wallace@uct.ac.za before 31 March 2026.
- Make sure every document is attached and legible.
- Keep a copy for yourself and be ready to provide additional information if requested.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Many applicants struggle with a vague cover letter. Highlight specific projects or skills that align with SCAR research and AI imaging.
- From experience, the best CVs are concise, use bullet points, and emphasise achievements rather than just duties.
- Include any published work that showcases your analytical or computational expertise.
- Ask your referees to mention your ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and handle complex datasets.
- Check that your email address and contact details are correct—missing information can lead to an incomplete application.
Final Thoughts
This fellowship is a rare chance to work on a topic that directly impacts public health in South Africa. It offers a solid stipend, a supportive environment, and the chance to build a research portfolio that will open doors in academia or industry. If you meet the criteria and can commit to a full‑time, in‑person role for one year, don’t miss the deadline on 31 March 2026. Send your application today and take the next step in your research career.
