Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Organic Chemistry (1-Year)
Job Details
- Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Organic Chemistry
- Job ID: 6463
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Department: Department of Chemistry
- Faculty: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Contract Type: 1-Year Contract (renewable up to 3 years)
- Occupational Level: Temporary
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus
- Closing Date: 15 June 2026
- Commencement Date: 1 September 2026
Job Description
The fellowship is aimed at outstanding doctoral graduates interested in advanced research in:
- Synthetic organic chemistry
- Amino acid chemistry
- Peptide modification
- Functional molecules for biomedical and soft-material applications
The successful candidate will conduct research under the mentorship of established researchers at UFS, with collaboration opportunities involving Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium.
Research Focus Areas
Research will involve:
- Synthesis and characterization of non-canonical amino acids
- Peptide chemistry and peptide-based materials
- Functional molecules with:
- Fluorescent
- Redox-active
- Donor/acceptor
- Metal-ligating properties
- Biomedical and soft-material applications
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Research Activities
- Conduct innovative research in synthetic organic chemistry.
- Participate in collaborative international research projects.
- Contribute to peptide and supramolecular chemistry studies.
Technical and Scientific Skills
Develop or demonstrate expertise in:
- Multistep organic synthesis
- Amino acid and peptide chemistry
- Structural characterization using:
- NMR
- MS
- Other analytical techniques
- Physicochemical analysis of functional molecules
- Scientific writing and manuscript preparation
- Grant application support
Publications and Outputs
- Publish or co-author at least:
- 3 DHET-accredited journal articles or scholarly outputs per year
- Submit annual progress reports for fellowship renewal.
Additional Responsibilities
- Initiate new research projects.
- Seek research funding opportunities.
- Participate in UFS research development activities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD obtained within the last 5 years in:
- Synthetic Organic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Related disciplines
- Be available for full-time research at UFS.
- Not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
- Be willing to relocate to Bloemfontein.
- Spend at least 80% of the fellowship period at UFS.
Fellowship Value
- Annual Fellowship: R270 000
- Additional Research Fund: R30 000
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Motivation letter
- 1–2 page summary of relevant expertise and experience
- Full CV with:
- Publications
- Conference papers
- Scholarly outputs
- Academic transcripts
- PhD certificate
- ID or passport copy
- Contact details of two academic referees
How to Apply
Applications must be emailed to:
- Prof. Vladimir Azov
Email: azovv@ufs.ac.za
Enquiries
- Prof. Vladimir Azov
Email: wvo@sun.ac.za
Important Notes
- Fellowship renewal depends on satisfactory annual performance.
- Preference may be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups in line with the university’s Employment Equity Plan.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.