Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Agronomy

SUMMARY:
DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
(On behalf of the Department of Agronomy)
Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period)"
Description:

• The Department of Agronomy in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Fort Hare wish to appoint one Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to focus on Advancing Sustainable and Climate-Smart Crop Protection through the Development of Kleinia longiflora-Based Biopesticides. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research aimed at developing sustainable, environmentally friendly crop protection strategies that support climate-smart agriculture and enhance food security.

POSITION INFO:
Requirements: The successful candidate will preferably have a doctorate completed in the last five years in Agronomy\/Crop Science\/Plant Production\/Plant Protection at a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad. If not yet in possession of a doctoral degree, they need to submit a written statement from the Registrar (or equivalent) at the issuing University confirming that they satisfactorily fulfilled the University's requirements for a doctoral degree at the time of application for a postdoctoral research fellowship. Details of the qualification and expected date of graduation should be included in the statement. Demonstrate evidence of research productivity through at least three (3) research articles in DHET-accredited journals. Be proficient in statistical software such as GenStat, R, SAS, SPSS, or Statistica. The successful candidate may not be in the employment of UFH (including Time on Task) at the time of taking the postdoctoral fellowship. The successful candidate may not be employed in any other institution\/company during their postdoctoral fellowship. The successful candidate may be of any age, gender or nationality (subject only to the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs) Preference will be given to South African females. Conditions : By the end of their first year, the PDRF is expected to have submitted papers amounting to 2 units for review on the topic of their postdoctoral research which meets the following minimum requirements PDRF extending into their second and subsequent years are expected to have published (or have in-press) 2 units. All papers must be on the topic of postdoctoral research and details of the papers must be submitted by the host to the PGS office by the end of each renewal year. Duration: The fellowship is valid for 24 months from the month of arrival and may be extended with evidence of good progress. Application details: Please email the following documents to Mr. Mandilakhe Qelesile ( ) and copy Ms. Babalwa Solani ( \/ ) Motivation letter should include a 1 - 2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience. Full CV including a list of research publications. Full transcript of recent academic records and a copy of the doctoral degree certificate and any other relevant certificates. Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants). Contact details of two academic referees who have taught\/supervised\/mentored the candidate. On the subject line write Crop Science For queries: For further information regarding the research project, please contact Assoc. Prof. Kagiso Shadung at . NOTE: Applications will be treated in order of arrival and with the highest degree of confidentiality. Correspondence will be with short-listed candidates only. The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing, preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards the achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile. The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment. Closing date: 03 September 2026.