The University of the Free State (UFS), in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) and the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), is offering an exciting Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Sustainable Food Systems and Development.
This one-year fellowship, which is renewable for up to three years, presents an outstanding opportunity for candidates with a PhD in Food Science or related fields such as Food Technology, Food Physics, and Food Engineering to engage in cutting-edge research.
Key Responsibilities and Research Focus
The selected postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in developing and implementing innovative research projects that examine the microbial, chemical, physical, and sensory properties of newly developed food products and recipes. The primary responsibilities of the postdoctoral fellow will include:
- Designing and implementing research projects that investigate food quality and safety.
- Supervising and mentoring PhD, Master’s, and Honours students involved in related research.
- Writing and submitting funding proposals to secure additional research grants.
- Leading a research team and collaborating across departments.
- Conducting quality control tests, biofilm formation detection, and genomic sequencing related to food quality and safety.
- Analysing data using advanced statistical techniques to identify trends and patterns.
- Publishing at least three scholarly articles per year in accredited academic journals.
- Presenting research findings at national and international conferences.
- Assisting in the lecturing of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Participating in UFS’s postdoctoral research community and submitting annual progress reports.
Required Technical Proficiency and Skills
The successful candidate must have expertise in the following technical areas:
1. Instrumentation Proficiency
- Microscopy techniques (including fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy).
- Rheometry and spectroscopy for analysing food properties.
2. Molecular Biology Techniques
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for microbial analysis.
- Proteomics to understand bacterial and biofilm formation.
3. Food Quality Testing
- Safety and spoilage detection in food products.
- Biofilm formation analysis in food processing.
- Preservation techniques for bacterial cultures.
- Chemical, physical, and sensory analysis of food products.
4. Advanced Data Analysis
- Statistical modelling to interpret complex data related to food quality and safety.
- Application of bioinformatics for analysing genomic and proteomic data.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
This fellowship is open to both South African and international applicants who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- PhD in Food Science or a related field with expertise in food quality control.
- Evidence of published research in peer-reviewed international journals.
- Experience in presenting research at international conferences.
- The applicant must not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
- The successful applicant must be willing to relocate to the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein.
- The fellow must be residential, spending at least 80% of the postdoctoral period at UFS.
Recommended Additional Qualification
- A valid driver’s licence is recommended, as the research may involve travel between sites.
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
The fellowship offers a competitive financial package that includes:
- An annual fellowship stipend of R220,000.
- An additional research expense fund of R30,000 to support research activities.
Application Process and Required Documents
Interested candidates must submit a comprehensive application that includes the following:
- Motivation Letter – A 1-2 page outline highlighting relevant expertise and experience.
- Full Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Including a detailed list of research publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs.
- Certified Academic Transcripts – Copies of PhD degree certificate and full transcripts (certified within the last two months).
- Copy of PhD Thesis or Sample Publications.
- Certified Copy of Identification Document or Passport (for international applicants).
- Contact Details of Three References – Two academic referees (supervisors or lecturers) and one professional reference.
How to Apply
- Closing Date: 31 March 2025 (Late applications will not be considered).
- Commencement Date: The successful candidate is expected to commence the fellowship as soon as possible after selection.
This postdoctoral research fellowship presents an exceptional opportunity for highly motivated researchers to contribute to groundbreaking work in climate-smart agro-processing and food systems. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to apply and be part of a research team dedicated to shaping the future of food security and innovation in agriculture.
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