Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Vacancies at University of Cape Town

Purpose:

Based on relevant experience, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to projects within the core disciplines of the CLII:

• Immunology – TB immunopathogenesis studies with a specific focus on the human lung (including controlled human infection models using pulmonary-delivered BCG)
• Proteomics - novel biomarker discovery for the diagnosis of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis
• Genomics – application of next generation sequencing approaches (targeted sequencing, epigenetics) for diagnosis of multidrug resistant pathogens (TB and non-TB)
• Antimicrobial Resistance – identifying mechanisms of AMR development and ways to limit AMR amplification (e.g., role of adjunct inhaled antibiotic, immunotherapeutics, therapeutic drug monitoring etc.)
• As the projects form part of CLII’s Translational Biomedical Research portfolio, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to interface with product development and commercialisation, grant writing and project management.
• Academic Criteria: Applicants must have completed a PhD degree in a foundational discipline relevant to the topic (e.g., PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Bioinformatics, or related field).
• The applicant should not have previously held any permanent professional or academic post (previous postdoctoral position at UCT or another academic institution is acceptable).
• Applicants should have a proven track record of scientific outputs (i.e., publication record in accredited international journals, and oral or poster presentations at recognised national or international conferences), interpersonal skills, and be able to effectively conduct research as part of a multi­disciplinary team.
• Candidates should frame their CVs in the context of the core disciplines of the CLII (listed above) and highlight key laboratory techniques and evidence of research experience.
• Meeting the following criteria would be desirable and count in the candidates’ favour:
• Laboratory-based experience working with clinical samples (e.g., sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, blood, urine, pleural fluid, CSF).
• Experience working with infectious pathogens (e.g., TB, SARS-CoV2) in BSL2 and 3 laboratory settings.

Conditions of Award:

• Postdoctoral research fellowships are only available to individuals who have achieved their doctoral degree within the past 5 years.
• The successful candidate may not have held any prior permanent academic or professional posts (previous postdoctoral position is acceptable).
• No benefits or allowances are included in the value of the fellowship.
• The successful candidate will be required to comply with the University’s approved policies, procedures and practices for the postdoctoral sector.
• There will be a skills assessment and tour of the research facility as a mandatory requirement of the interview process.

Closing date: 15 January 2026