Picture
 
SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY (SMU)
 


​Research and Innovation Directorate 
 
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS ADVERTISEMENT 
 
Closing Date: 30 January 2026 
 
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 Pharmacy (Natural Products Chemistry - Medicinal Organic Chemistry - and Nano Drug Delivery Systems formulations) – 1 position. 
 
The Role of Postdoctoral Research Fellow 
• Conduct research on an approved research niche under the supervision of an Established Researcher. 
• Publish 3 peer-reviewed research articles per year; and assist in teaching, supervising, and mentoring of postgraduate students. 
 
Value for support
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Value (R) 300 000 pa*
Duration 2 years**
* Value is tax-exempt
** Subject to annual submission of satisfactory progress report and the availability of funding.
 
Minimum Requirements: 
• Applicant must have graduated with a PhD in Organic Chemistry or related subject within the last five years and must have a strong and solid background in natural products chemistry or organic synthesis or green synthesis chemistry, nanotechnology and drug delivery systems or bioinformatics. 
• The applicant must have a publication track record in the field of natural products chemistry or organic synthesis or green synthesis chemistry or nanotechnology and drug delivery systems or bioinformatics. 
In addition, the applicant should have at least one of the following scientific skills: 
- Have knowledge of separation techniques for the isolation of bioactive compounds (Phytochemistry). 
- Be proficient in NMR (data collection on interpretation) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) data interpretation. 
- Have expert knowledge in designing and synthesising natural products derived organic compounds 
- Have an expert knowledge of natural product databases. 
- Have knowledge in the synthesis of nanoparticles (would be an advantage) 
- Have knowledge in Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulations (would be an advantage) 
 
Eligibility Criteria 
Applicants must: 
• Be a South African citizen/ permanent South African resident 
• Have obtained a doctoral degree 
• Evidence of published research articles in peer-reviewed journals output 
• Have some experience in postgraduate supervision; and 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
 
How to apply 
To apply, please send the following documents 
• A 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 interest. 
 
 
Applications must be submitted to Ms Fulufhelo Malamatsho at researchcapacity@smu.ac.za before or on 30 January 2026. 
 
Queries regarding the position may be directed to Prof Xavier Siwe-Noundou at xavier.siwe-noundou@smu.ac.za. Application queries may be directed to Ms Vinolia Manuel at vinolia.manuel@smu.ac.za.
 
Late applications will not be considered. 
 
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. 
 
The University reserves the right not to make an award.
 
“Knowledge for quality health services”










​Research and Innovation Directorate 
 
SMU/NRF POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP POSITIONS 
 
Closing date: 30 January 2026 
 
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University strategy focuses on developing excellence in teaching and learning, growing research and innovation. The university continues to increase research productivity by strategically placing University investment into areas where potential excellence is nurtured. Amongst others, we 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 invites qualified individuals holding a doctoral degree to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the School of Health Care Sciences, Department of Public Health (Institute of Pandemic Preparedness) 
 
Role of the Postdoctoral Research Fellow 
• Conduct research in approved niche such as health systems strengthening, pandemic preparedness, epidemiology, health promotion and prevention and control of infectious diseases, including literature reviews, research protocol development, and data collection and analysis. 
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and assist in supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students working on the health systems strengthening and resilience projects. 
 
Minimum Requirements 
• Graduated within the last five years with a relevant PhD in a relevant health and social science discipline (eg: Public Health, Nursing, Pharmacy) and must have a strong background in one or two of the following areas – Health Systems, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and/or Implementation research. 
• Proficient in statistical software (e.g.STATA and/or SPSS, QRS NVivo and/or ATLAS.Ti). 
• Competent in data management (e.g. REDCap). 
• Excellent presentation skills. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Demonstrates a publication record 
 
Eligibility criteria for appointment of postdoctoral research fellows 
a) Must hold a doctoral degree in the relevant discipline (candidates awaiting results will not be considered) 
b) Must be a South African citizen or permanent South African residency, 
c) Must have proven publication track record and some experience in postgraduate teaching, supervision and mentoring. 
d) Must be willing to commit to a two-year appointment, which will be renewable every year based on performance. 
 
Value for support
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Value (R) 320 000 pa*
Duration 2 years**
 
Research costs
Value (R) 50 000 pa
Duration -
 
Sub-Total
Value (R) 370 000 pa
Duration -
 
* Value is tax-exempt
** Subject to annual submission of satisfactory progress report and the availability of funding.
 
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; x Certified copies (within the last 6 months) of ID/passport, academic transcripts and certificates; and 
• A one-page summary of research interests. 
 
Applicants must be submitted to Ms Fulufhelo Malamatsho at researchcapacity@smu.ac.za on or before 30 January 2026. 
Late applications will not be considered. 
 
Contact information 
• Queries about the position may be sent to Prof Mokgatle at: mathildah.mokgatle@smu.ac.za
• Application Queries may be sent to: Ms. Vinolia Manuel at vinolia.manuel@smu.ac.za
 
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. 
 
The University reserves the right not to make any appointment.