The SARChI Chair in Water Quality and Environmental Genomics at the University of Fort Hare seeks to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow with strong molecular microbial ecology background as part of its environmental genomics research agenda. The ideal candidate is expected to have strong evidence-based experience in genome-resolved metagenomics, functional metagenomics, NGS phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses to characterize microbial communities including pathogens of epidemiological relevance. Proficiency in advanced programming languages such as Python, R and Java, and interest in applying big data analytics in the field of microbial and environmental genomics will be a strong advantage.
Selection Criteria
- PhD in the relevant discipline such as molecular microbiology, molecular biology, Bioinformatics or Genomics.
- Strong wet-lab molecular microbiology and genomics skills.
- Expertise in bioinformatics pipelines (Illumina, MiseQ, Sanger, etc); and analysis of meta-omic datasets.
- Statistical analysis of next-generation sequencing data.
- Detailed understanding of microbial metabolism and regulation.
- Hands on sequencing data analysis
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Evidence of relevant publications in the bioinformatics domain.
Application Details
The value of the fellowship is R320,000.00 per annum (tax-free as per postdoc regulation).
The duration of the fellowship is one year with a probationary period of 6 months and renewable for up to 2 years depending on productivity.
The closing date for applications: 30 November 2026
Interested candidates should apply in writing (by email) to:
Prof Anthony I Okoh, DSTI/NRF SARChI Chair in Water Quality and Environmental
Genomics, University of Fort Hare Alice, South Africa. Email: aokoh@ufh.ac.za; and copy the Administrator, Ms Piwe Ntlati (PNtlati@ufh.ac.za).
All applications must be accompanied by the following
- The title and abstract of your doctoral thesis.
- A copy of your PhD degree certificate and other relevant certificates.
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae which must include a clear statement of experience in
- molecular microbiology and bioinformatics, as well as full list of publications.
- The names and contact details of two referees, one of whom MUST be your doctoral thesis supervisor.
Chairholder: Prof Anthony I Okoh
Tel: +27406022365; Email: aokoh@ufh.ac.za
