Job Opportunities at University of Limpopo

Qualification and Requirements:

• PhD in the field of Statistics or Operations Research
• At least three (03) years relevant research and teaching experience at tertiary institution(s).
• Evidence of teaching both Statistics and Operations Research modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Evidence of postgraduate students (Honours, Masters) supervision and publications in DHET accredited journals.
• Evidence of the ability to establish the research collaborations and raise research funds.
• Expertise in the use of statistical software packages like SPSS, SAS, STATA, STATISTICA, etc.
• Evidence of community engagement activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidates will be expected to:

• Teach students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
• Teach the Operational Research modules for undergraduate levels and develop a postgraduate curriculum.
• Evidence of participation in academic administration
• Excellent interpersonal character and communication skills
• Engage in research project and publish results.
• Engage in community outreach programme.
• Assist in departmental and school administration.
• Supervise postgraduate students at Honours and Master’s levels.

Added advantages:

• Record of supervision at postgraduate level.
• Evidence of participation in academic administration.
• Good publication record.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

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Type:

• Postdoctoral research fellowship linked to the research niche area of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. The fellowship is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Introduction:

• The University of Limpopo (UL) invites applications for one (01) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position under the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science thematic research area, hosted in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture.
• The Fellowships aim to strengthen the University's research and intellectual environment while providing structured postdoctoral training for recent doctoral graduates, supporting the development of advanced research skills, publication output, community-engaged scholarship, and preparation for an academic career.

Requirements:

• A PhD degree (NQF Level 10) in Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field, completed within the last five (5) years.
• Evidence of research productivity including peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience in scripting and the use of machine learning frameworks.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality and interdisciplinary research using deep learning algorithms aligned with the faculty's thematic research area.
• Publish in DHET-accredited journals and peer-reviewed books.
• Assist with postgraduate supervision and mentorship.
• Support grant proposal development and national and international collaborations.
• Contribute to the production of policy briefs and other knowledge transfer outputs.
• Participate in seminars and activities that promote a strong research culture.
• Comply with research ethics, governance, and data management requirements.
• Present findings at academic forums and conferences.

Expected outputs:

During the fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to produce:

• At least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship.
• Several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• At least one competitive external research grant application.
• Research reports for stakeholders.
• Contributions to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development.
• Collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team.
• Participation in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University.

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Type:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship within the research niche area of Maternal and Child Health. The Fellowship is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Introduction

• The Faculty of Health Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship within its Maternal and Child Health research niche area. The fellowship forms part of the University's commitment to strengthening research excellence, promoting innovation, and developing sustainable research capacity.
• The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. TI Ramavhoya and contribute to high-quality, impactful research that addresses priority maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health challenges in South Africa and comparable settings.
• The fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to advance an independent research profile while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, contributing to postgraduate supervision, and disseminating research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and stakeholder engagement.

Requirements

• A PhD in Public Health, Nursing, Epidemiology, Health Sciences, or a closely related discipline obtained within the past five (5) years.
• Demonstrated research experience in maternal and child health or a related field, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• A strong record of scientific writing, data analysis, and research methodology (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct high-quality research aligned with the Faculty's Maternal and Child Health research agenda.
• Develop and implement research protocols in collaboration with the host supervisor.
• Publish research findings in accredited, peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outputs at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to the development of research proposals and grant applications.
• Support postgraduate student research through mentorship and scholarly engagement where appropriate.
• Participate in research seminars, workshops, and other academic activities within the Faculty.
• Engage with relevant stakeholders to facilitate research translation and impact.
• Prepare technical and progress reports as required by the University and funding bodies.
• Perform any other research-related duties assigned by the host supervisor.

Expected Outputs

The successful fellow will be expected to:

• Publish at least 4 peer-reviewed journal articles during the fellowship period.
• Present research findings at national and/or international scientific conferences.
• Contribute to externally funded research proposals.
• Participate actively in the Department's research activities and postgraduate research environment.
• Produce research outputs that contribute to improving maternal and child health policies and practices.
• The fellowship is intended for highly motivated researchers who are committed to advancing knowledge, generating impactful research, and contributing to the University's vision of research excellence and societal impact.

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Type:

• Postdoctoral research fellowship within the research niche area of Biochemistry and Biotechnology. The fellowships is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Introduction:

• The Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Limpopo invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
• The Fellowship provides an opportunity for an exceptional researcher to contribute to an interdisciplinary research programme that integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and biotechnology to address contemporary challenges in human health, sustainable biotechnology and industrial innovation.
• The research programme applies advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical approaches to investigate disease mechanisms and accelerate the discovery and development of novel therapeutics.
• Through fundamental and translational research, the programme seeks to elucidate the molecular pathways underlying cancer, inflammation, infectious diseases, and other chronic disorders, with the aim of identifying therapeutic targets, discovering bioactive compounds, and developing innovative treatment strategies. Research integrates molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, functional genomics, and systems biology to support biomarker discovery, precision medicine, and drug development.
• Additional research themes include therapeutic development from natural products and synthetic compounds, gene regulation and cellular signalling, molecular pharmacology, drug target validation, host–pathogen interactions, molecular microbiology, and biotechnology-driven approaches for the development of nextgeneration therapeutics and diagnostic tools.

Requirements:

Applicants must have:

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, Pharmacology or a closely related discipline obtained within the last five (5) years. 
• Evidence of research productivity through publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated research experience in one or more areas relevant to the research programme, including molecular biology, molecular biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, industrial biotechnology, functional genomics, fermentation biotechnology, industrial enzyme biotechnology or related disciplines.
• Excellent scientific writing, communication and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct innovative research aligned with the molecular biology and Biotechnology.
• Design and execute independent research projects using advanced molecular, cellular and biochemical techniques.
• Publish research findings in high-impact, DHET-accredited peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist in the supervision and mentorship of Honours, MSc and PhD students.
• Contribute to the preparation of competitive national and international research funding proposals.
• Establish and participate in multidisciplinary and international research collaborations.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Participate in departmental seminars, workshops and research activities.
• Ensure compliance with research ethics, laboratory safety and data management policies.
• Contribute to innovation, knowledge translation and the development of the
• Department's molecular biology and biotechnology research.

Expected outputs:

During the fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to produce:

• At least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship.
• Several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• At least one competitive external research grant application.
• Research reports for stakeholders.
• Contributions to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development.
• Collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team.
• Participation in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University. 

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Type:

• Postdoctoral research fellowship linked to Water Security and Resources Management. The fellowship is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Introduction:

• The University of Limpopo invites applications from suitably qualified and highly motivated candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Water Security and Water Resources Management.
• The fellowship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research addressing critical water challenges in South Africa and the broader African region.
• The successful candidate will join a vibrant research team working on projects focused on water security, climate change adaptation, integrated water resources management, hydrological modelling, water governance, and sustainable catchment management.
• The fellowship aims to contribute to the development of innovative, evidence-based solutions that strengthen water resilience under increasing pressures from climate variability, land-use change, rapid urbanisation, and growing water demands.
• The University of Limpopo is committed to advancing research excellence, innovation, and societal impact through multidisciplinary approaches that support sustainable water resource management and contribute to achieving national development priorities and SDGs 6 & 13 (Clean Water and Sanitation & Climate Action).
• This fellowship offers an outstanding opportunity for an emerging researcher to build an independent research profile while contributing to transformative water research with local, regional, and global relevance.

Requirements:

• A PhD degree (NQF Level 10) in Hydrology, Water Resources Management, Physical Geography or a related field, completed within the last five (5) years.
• Evidence of research productivity including peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with hydrological modelling and geospatial analysis tools such as SWAT, MODFLOW, WEAP, MIKE HYDRO, GIS, GEE, Python and/or R.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, good computer and data management skills, and the ability to work independently.

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Type:

• Postdoctoral research fellowship linked to the research niche area of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Sustainability. The fellowship is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Introduction:

• The University of Limpopo (UL) invites applications for one (01) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position, hosted in the Faculty of Management and Law.
• The Fellowship aims to strengthen the University's research and intellectual environment while providing structured postdoctoral training for recent doctoral graduates, supporting the development of advanced research skills, publication output, community-engaged scholarship, and preparation for academic careers.
• This fellowship is linked to SDG 9 whose focus is on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. SDG 9 seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation.
• Entrepreneurship is central to achieving this goal because entrepreneurs create new businesses, introduce innovative products and services, commercialise research, and stimulate technological advancement. Innovative entrepreneurs improve productivity, create employment opportunities, and contribute to economic diversification.
• Governments and institutions support SDG 9 by investing in research and development, strengthening innovation ecosystems, improving access to finance, and expanding digital and physical infrastructure.

Requirements:

• A PhD degree (NQF Level 10) in Business Administration, Finance or Economics or a related field, completed within the last five (5) years.
• Evidence of research productivity including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Practical experience in entrepreneurship and owning an existing business will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated interest in business administration, entrepreneurship, innovation and business sustainability including practica.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, good computer and data management skills, and the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality, interdisciplinary research linked to entrepreneurship, business innovation and sustainability.
• Publish in DHET-accredited journals and peer-reviewed books.
• Contribute to community engagement projects linked to the fellowship and interact with business owners in different settings like conferences, expos, etc.
• Participate in empirical fieldwork research in different settings which involves business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Assist with postgraduate supervision and mentorship.
• Support grant proposal development and national and international collaborations.
• Contribute to policy briefs and knowledge translation outputs related to business administration and entrepreneurship.
• Participate in seminars and activities that promote a strong research culture.
• Comply with research ethics, governance, and data management requirements.
• Represent the university at academic forums, conferences and expos, where appropriate.

Expected outputs:

During the fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to produce:

• At least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship.
• Several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• At least one competitive external research grant application.
• Research reports for stakeholders.
• Contributions to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development.
• Collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team.
• Participation in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University.

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Type:

• Postdoctoral research fellowship linked to the research niche area of Governance and anti-corruption studies. The fellowships is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Introduction

• The University of Limpopo (UL) invites applications for one (1) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position. The post is affiliated with the Department of Public and Environmental Law.
• The Department seeks to expand its research footprint in Elections and Electoral Law. The Fellowship aims to strengthen the department's research and intellectual output. It provides structured postdoctoral training for recent doctoral graduates.
• The role supports the development of advanced research skills, publication output, and academic career preparation. The Fellowship is tenable for two (2) years, commencing as soon as possible.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

• An LLD or PhD degree (NQF Level 10) in Constitutional Law.
• Degree completed within the last five (5) years.
• Evidence of research productivity with peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated interest in elections and electoral law.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Good computer and data management skills.
• Ability to work independently.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will:

• Conduct high-quality research in elections and electoral law.
• Publish in DHET-accredited journals and books.
• Assist with postgraduate supervision and mentorship.
• Support grant proposal development.
• Promote national and international research collaborations.
• Participate in departmental research seminars.
• Build a strong institutional research culture.
• Comply with university research ethics policies.

Expected outputs:

• During the fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to produce:
• At least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship.
• Several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• At least one competitive external research grant application.
• Research reports for stakeholders.
• Contributions to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development.
• Collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team.
• Participation in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University.

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Type:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the research niche area of Governance, Leadership and Public Policy. The fellowships is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Introduction

• The University of Limpopo (UL) invites applications for one (1) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Governance, Leadership and Public Policy, hosted in the Department of Public Administration, School of Economics and Management.
• The Fellowship aims to strengthen the University's research and intellectual environment while providing structured postdoctoral training for recent doctoral graduates, supporting the development of advanced research skills, publication output, interdisciplinary research, policy engagement, and preparation for academic careers.
• The Fellowship seeks to advance innovative research in governance, leadership and public policy, with particular emphasis on public administration, public management, institutional governance, policy development, implementation and evaluation, and evidence-informed public sector transformation.
• The successful candidate will contribute to research that addresses contemporary governance challenges and supports sustainable public sector development.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A Doctoral Degree (NQF Level 10) in Public Administration and Management, Public Affairs, Governance, or a closely related field, completed within the last five (5) years.
• Evidence of research productivity including peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated interest in governance, public administration, public policy and public management.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, good computer and data management skills, and the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will:

• Conduct high-quality research in governance, leadership and public policy.
• Publish in DHET-accredited journals and other peer-reviewed scholarly outlets.
• Participate in collaborative research projects within the Department of Public

Administration.

• Contribute to research that informs governance, public policy and public sector management.
• Assist with postgraduate supervision and mentorship, where appropriate.
• Support research grant proposal development and national and international research collaborations.
• Prepare policy briefs and other knowledge translation outputs.
• Participate in seminars, conferences and scholarly activities that promote a vibrant research culture.
• Comply with research ethics, governance and data management requirements.
• Represent the Department of Public Administration and the School of
• Economics and Management at academic forums and conferences, where appropriate.

Expected outputs:

During the fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to produce:

• At least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship.
• Several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• At least one competitive external research grant application.
• Research reports for stakeholders.
• Contributions to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development.
• Collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team.
• Participation in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University.

Application documents

Applicants should submit complete applications consisting of:

• A motivation letter outlining your suitability for the fellowship and proposed research agenda.
• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of South African identity document or passport.
• Certified copies of all academic qualifications (including doctoral degree certificate(s) and academic transcripts
• Copies of selected recent peer-reviewed publications
• Names and contact details of three contactable academic referees

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Type:

• Postdoctoral research fellowship within the research niche of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services. The fellowships is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Introduction

• The University of Limpopo invites applications for one (1) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position in Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Services. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team conducting transdisciplinary innovative research on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, endangered species, and sustainable natural resource management.
• The fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to high-impact research, publish in leading scientific journals, and collaborate with national and international partners. The research will be linked to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals 2, 6, 13, 15 and 16, as well as imperatives of the 2030 National Development Plan.
• The successful applicant will be expected to undertake independent and transdisciplinary collaborative research that advances understanding of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, while contributing to research capacity development and postgraduate student training.
• The Fellowship commences as soon as possible and is tenable for one year, renewable for another year based on satisfactory performance in the first year.

Qualifications and requirements

Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:

• A Doctoral qualification in Biodiversity Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management or a closely related discipline, obtained within the past five (5) years.
• Demonstrated research expertise in undertaking transdisciplinary research in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, ecological assessment, endangered species, restoration ecology, conservation planning, or related fields.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to career stage.
• Evidence of quantitative data analysis skills and proficiency in statistical software and/or GIS applications (e.g., R, ArcGIS, QGIS) and qualitative data analysis, such as QDAS, NVivo, ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA and Dedoose.
• Experience in field-based ecological research and biodiversity monitoring will be an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary research teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A commitment to research excellence, scientific integrity, and collaborative engagement.

Duties and responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Conduct high-quality, original transdisciplinary research in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.
• Develop and implement research projects aligned with the strategic priorities of the host research group (cross-faculty/ transdisciplinary areas).
• Publish research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in biodiversity field surveys to collect quantitative and qualitative data including monitoring of ecological systems and endangered species where required.
• Analyse ecological, environmental, and socio-ecological datasets using appropriate analytical tools.
• Mentor Honours, Masters’ and Doctoral students in research design, MixedMethods Research (MMR) approaches, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Collaborate with academic staff, government agencies, conservation organisations, and other research partners.
• Contribute to knowledge exchange, policy engagement, and outreach activities that promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.
• Prepare technical reports and other research outputs as required by funding agencies and project partners.
• Present research outcomes at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder engagements.
• Contribute to the preparation of research grant proposals and assist in securing external research funding.

Expected outputs:

During the fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to produce:

• At least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship.
• Several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• At least one competitive external research grant application.
• Research reports for stakeholders.
• Contributions to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development.
• Collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team.
• Participation in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University. 

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Type:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the interdisciplinary research niche area of Food, Nutrition and Health Security. The fellowships is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Introduction

• The University of Limpopo (UL) invites applications for one (1) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position, hosted in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. The fellow will work on projects related to Nutrition in early Childhood Development Centres and the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).
• The Fellowship aim to strengthen the University's research and intellectual environment while providing structured postdoctoral training for recent doctoral graduates, supporting the development of advanced research skills, publication output, community-engaged scholarship, and preparation for academic careers.

Requirements:

• Applicants must have a doctorate degree in Dietetics/Public Health Nutrition/Public Health or any discipline /sub-discipline related to the subject areas above
• Applicants must be within 5 years of completing their doctoral degree
• Applicants must be willing to travel and reside close to the University of Limpopo (Limpopo Province, South Africa)
• Applicants should have a research track record relevant to the opportunity (evidenced in publications) and be willing to work in multidisciplinary research environment(s), have a clear related research agenda focused on African challenges, and keen to develop a strong international standing and research reputation
• Applicants should have access to readily available research data, or able to collect and acquire such data, to accomplish the main tasks of the research agenda, and commitments and responsibilities during the fellowship
• Applicants must have good oral and written communication skills, computer literacy skills, and can add value to the academic culture of the University
• Eligible women are strongly encouraged to apply for these positions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead research programmes in the research niche and work collaboratively with mentor in developing and executing innovative research projects
• Secure grant funding for research projects and manage grant funding and resources.
• Build strong research alliance across the African continent
• Conduct research and publish research results in accredited Journals, write books and book chapters, write policy briefs and engage multiple stakeholders, disseminate knowledge through accredited conference engagements, as well as promoting research practice through internal colloquium, seminars, and workshops
• Participate in postgraduate student research supervision, and mentorship

Expected outputs:

• During the fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to produce:
• At least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship.
• Several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• At least one competitive external research grant application.
• Research reports for stakeholders.
• Contributions to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development.
• Collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team.
• Participation in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University