University Of The Free State (UFS) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Vacancy 2026 | Annual Fellowship: R270,000

Opportunity Overview

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship within its Department of Animal Science. This fellowship is designed for talented doctoral graduates interested in pursuing an academic or professional career focusing on Animal Breeding, with an emphasis on molecular genetics (including rumen microbiome dynamics) or quantitative genetics.

This opportunity provides valuable experience in research and innovation within a higher education setting, under the guidance of established researchers. The fellowship is available for a period of one year, with potential for renewal for up to three years, contingent on satisfactory performance. It includes an annual fellowship of R270,000, along with an additional R30,000 fund for research expenses.

Minimum Requirements

• Must have graduated with a PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• Open to all South African and foreign nationals.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Must be able to relocate to the UFS in Bloemfontein for the duration of the fellowship, as this is a residential fellowship requiring 80% of the postdoctoral period to be spent at the UFS.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in areas such as: Estimation of genetic parameters in livestock; Genome Wide Association Studies; Genetic Marker Analysis; Rumen Microbiome Diversity Analysis, Animal Production Trials.
• Author or co-author at least three (3) publication outputs per year in DHET–accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books.
• Initiate projects and seek funding.
• Register and reside as a postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS in Bloemfontein.
• Participate in relevant activities of the Centre for Graduate Support and the Directorate of Research Competencies.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by email to Ms. Neriche Green at GreenNAK@ufs.ac.za. Please also CC Prof Errol Cason at CasonED@ufs.ac.za.

The closing date for applications is 13 July 2026.

A comprehensive application should include the following documents:

• A motivation letter, which must outline the applicant’s research interests, relevant expertise, and experience over 1-2 pages.
• A full CV, including a list of research publications and other scholarly outputs.
• Full transcripts of your academic record.
• A copy of your doctoral degree certificate.
• A copy of your ID document (or a copy of your passport for foreign applicants).
• Contact details for two academic referees who have taught or supervised you.