Postdoctoral Research Fellowship- University of the Free State x1
Job Overview
Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences
School: School of Clinical Medicine
Department: Pharmacology
Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
Job ID: 6667
Post Number: 2354
Number of Positions: 2
Employment Type: Contract / Fellowship
Duration: 2 years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Annual Fellowship Value: R330,000 (all-inclusive)
Commencement Date: 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter
Closing Date: 30 November 2026
Job Description
The University of the Free State (UFS), through its Faculty of Health Sciences, invites applications from suitably qualified doctoral graduates for two Postdoctoral Research Fellowships within the Department of Pharmacology.
The fellowships aim to provide outstanding PhD graduates with opportunities to gain advanced research and innovation experience under the mentorship of established researchers.
The successful candidates will conduct research focusing on herbal medicines, cannabis research and pharmaceutical formulation studies. They will also contribute to scientific publications, participate in academic activities and support ongoing research projects within the department.
The fellowship is jointly supported by the University of the Free State (UFS) and African Medicines Innovations and Technologies Development (AMITD).
Selection will be competitive and based on academic achievements, research publications, research potential, relevant experience and expertise.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be expected to perform the following duties:
Conduct innovative research in herbal medicines, cannabis research and formulation studies.
Investigate and contribute to research involving drug discovery and pharmaceutical formulations.
Author or co-author at least two original scientific research publications.
Ensure research publications appear in DHET-accredited scholarly journals or qualifying books and book chapters.
Register as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of the Free State.
Reside in Bloemfontein and conduct research on a full-time basis.
Participate in relevant academic activities within the Department of Pharmacology.
Engage in academic and research activities organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Postgraduate Studies and Directorate of Research.
Work under the guidance and mentorship of an appointed postdoctoral research mentor.
Undertake additional relevant research activities as assigned by the mentor.
Minimum Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must hold a PhD degree in one of the following fields:
Pharmacology.
Pharmacy.
Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Must have obtained their doctoral qualification within the last five years.
Must have analytical research experience in pharmacological bioassays, drug discovery and drug formulations.
Must have experience in molecular pharmacology and in vivo research.
Must have experience in herbal medicines research, particularly in areas relating to:
Alzheimer’s disease.
Cancer.
Diabetes.
Inflammation.
Non-communicable metabolic diseases.
Must be available to undertake full-time research at the University of the Free State.
Must be willing and able to relocate to Bloemfontein for the duration of the fellowship.
Important: The fellowship is open to both South African and foreign nationals.
Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment while participating in the fellowship.
Required Skills and Research Competencies
The ideal candidates should demonstrate:
Strong research and analytical abilities.
Experience in pharmacological bioassays.
Knowledge of drug discovery and formulation development.
Experience in molecular pharmacology.
Practical experience in in vivo research.
Knowledge of herbal medicine research and development.
Scientific writing and publication skills.
Ability to conduct independent research under academic supervision.
Ability to contribute to collaborative research projects.
Strong academic communication and presentation skills.
Fellowship Value and Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
Annual fellowship value
R330,000
All-inclusive annual fellowship
Fellowship duration of two years.
Possibility of renewal for one additional year, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Research and innovation experience.
Mentorship from established researchers.
Opportunities to publish scientific research.
Participation in academic and research activities at UFS.