PostDoctoral Fellowship in Deep Learning at North West University

Job description

• The MUST Deep Learning research group performs basic and applied research in machine learning, with an emphasis on the theory and application of deep learning, the set of tools currently driving innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). Our theoretical work focuses on the generalisation ability and interpretability of deep learning models.
• Our current application domains are diverse, ranging from space weather prediction to industrial applications of deep learning.
• MUST forms part of the Faculty of Engineering at North-West University (NWU), South Africa. It hosts the current SARChI chair in Deep Learning, is a node of the South African National Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR), and coordinates three machine learning projects within the research programme of  The National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS). As such, the group develops and applies specialised machine learning techniques with a network of collaborating researchers.

We invite South African and international fellows with an interest in machine learning and, specifically, deep neural networks,  to apply. A postdoctoral fellowship provides an invaluable opportunity for individuals looking to:

• grow their research experience and portfolio,
• increase their research independence,
• learn to lead and coordinate research projects, and/or
• explore new research interests.
• This fellowship, in particular, will prepare the successful candidate for a range of research opportunities related to machine learning and engineering, whether in an academic capacity or in industry.
• If you are the successful candidate, MUST will provide you with exposure to an environment that conducts machine learning research of international standing. You will develop your research skills, collaborate and publish internationally, and grow your own research profile. You will work in collaboration with a supervisor and participate fully in the research programme of the group. You will also interact with the group’s postgraduate students, and have the opportunity to act as supervisor for research masters and doctoral students. Undergraduate teaching is not a typical part of this position.
• The fellowship is driven by merit and is awarded in line with the NWU policy on employment equity. The position is offered at one of two locations: Potchefstroom at the Faculty of Engineering, and Hermanus (Western Cape) at the MUST research lab.

Minimum requirements

• Relevant PhD degree (e.g. Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics), obtained within five years before the appointment as a postdoctoral fellow.
• Strong programming and scripting skills (especially Python). 
• Good technical writing skills and a sound publication record.
• Ability to co-supervise students.
• Self-motivated individual with strong interpersonal skills.
• Prior machine learning experience is essential.

Duration and value of the fellowship

The fellowship is awarded for an initial period of one year, and is renewable for a second and third year, contingent upon performance and productive integration into the research group.

• The grant will fund the successful candidate at R300 000 - R450 000 per annum, depending on experience, non-taxable.
• A further amount of R20 000 - R50 000 per annum will be made available for running costs.
• A once-off amount to a maximum of R20 000 will be made available for relocation costs.
• You will be required to purchase private medical cover unless you can show evidence of suitable existing cover.  Assistance in this regard can be provided by the International office.

Apply by: 15 October 2025