SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY (SMU)

 Research and Innovation Directorate 

SMU/NRF POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS ADVERTISEMENT 

The University strategy focuses on developing excellence in teaching and learning, growing research and innovation. Over the next 4 years, we will continue to increase our research productivity by strategically placing University investment into areas where potential excellence is nurtured. Amongst others, the University will actively recruit and attract postdoctoral research fellows to provide an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of postgraduates as well as to advance new scientific knowledge and innovation in their chosen research field. 

The Research and Innovation Directorate therefore invites applications from eligible individuals with a doctoral degree to apply for the following Postdoctoral Research Fellowship opportunity: 

School of Health Care Sciences, Department of Public Health 

NRF SARChI STRIDES@SMU 

Role of the Postdoctoral Research Fellow 

Conduct research on an approved “Sexual and reproductive health, through Technology-driven solutions, Research in social epidemiology of Infectious disease prevention, using Digital equity Engagement across populations, platforms and Settings”. The project's focus is social epidemiology, health promotion, health literacy, prevention science, and implementation research. The postdoctoral fellow's duties will include: 

·       Conducting literature reviews and protocol development. 

·       Collect and analyse data 

·       Publish in peer-reviewed journals; and 

·       Assist in supervising and mentoring of postgraduate students working on sexual and reproductive health, digital health interventions, infectious diseases prevention and control. 

Value for support

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Value (R) 370 000 pa*

Duration 2 years**

* Value is tax-exempt

** Subject to annual submission of satisfactory progress report and the availability of funding

Minimum Requirements 

·       Have graduated within the last five (5) years with a PhD in Health Informatics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Biostatistics, Biomedical Engineering, or a relevant health and social science discipline (e.g., Public Health, Nursing, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Statistics), and demonstrate strong expertise in one or more of the following areas: mHealth applications, website development, digital health innovation, or digital transformation in healthcare systems. 

·       Proficient in statistical or data analysis software (e.g. STATA and/or SPSS, R, SQL, QRS, NVivo and/or ATLAS.Ti) and any other software. 

·       Competent in data management (e.g. REDCap). 

·       Excellent presentation skills. 

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

·       Demonstrates a publication record 

Eligibility Criteria 

Applicants must be South African citizen/ permanent South African residents. 

How to apply 

To apply, please submit the following documents: 

·       Motivation letter which summarises your relevant expertise and experience; 

·       Full curriculum vitae with a list of publications or other scholarly outputs; 

·       Certified copies (within the last 6 months) of ID/passport, academic transcripts and certificates; and 

·       A one-page summary of research interests. 

Applications must be submitted to Ms Fulufhelo Malamatsho at researchcapacity@smu.ac.za on or before 7 August 2026 

Late applications will not be considered. Research and Innovation Directorate 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Failure to submit the requested documents/information will result in your application not being considered. Questions about the position can be sent to: mathildah.mokgatle@smu.ac.za

The University reserves the right not to make any appointment.