Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Vacancy 2026 at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) – Academic Positions

Opportunity Overview

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), through its Research and Innovation Directorate, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. This opportunity is part of the University's strategy to enhance research productivity and develop excellence in research and innovation. It aims to provide postdoctoral fellows with a platform to contribute significantly to new scientific knowledge and the development of postgraduate students.

The fellowship is offered within the School of Health Care Sciences, Department of Public Health, as part of the NRF SARChI STRIDES@SMU project. The chosen fellow will conduct research focused on sexual and reproductive health, utilizing technology-driven solutions, and social epidemiology research for infectious disease prevention, with an emphasis on digital equity and engagement across various populations and settings. The fellowship offers a tax-exempt stipend of R370,000 per annum, with a duration of two years, subject to satisfactory progress and funding availability.

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in Health Informatics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Biostatistics, Biomedical Engineering, or a relevant health and social science discipline (e.g., Public Health, Nursing, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Statistics).
• Must have graduated with the PhD within the last five (5) years.
• Demonstrated strong expertise in one or more of the following areas: mHealth applications, website development, digital health innovation, or digital transformation in healthcare systems.
• Proficient in statistical or data analysis software (e.g., STATA and/or SPSS, R, SQL, QRS, NVivo and/or ATLAS.Ti) and other relevant software.
• Competent in data management (e.g., REDCap).
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated publication record.
• Must be a South African citizen or a permanent South African resident.

Key Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be responsible for a range of research activities, including:

• Conducting literature reviews and developing research protocols.
• Collecting and analysing research data.
• Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assisting in the supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students working on sexual and reproductive health, digital health interventions, and infectious diseases prevention and control.
• The project focuses on social epidemiology, health promotion, health literacy, prevention science, and implementation research.

How to Apply

To apply for this fellowship, please submit the following documents via email:

• A motivation letter that summarises your relevant expertise and experience.
• A full curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of your publications or other scholarly outputs.
• Certified copies (certified within the last 6 months) of your ID/passport, academic transcripts, and all academic certificates.
• A one-page summary of your research interests.

Applications must be submitted to Ms Fulufhelo Malamatsho at researchcapacity@smu.ac.za on or before 7 August 2026. It is the applicant's responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.