University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 – 9 Fully Funded Research Positions in Health Sciences
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is inviting competent individuals to apply for 9 eminent Post-Doctoral Fellowships in the College of Health Sciences whose commencement date is in September or October 2025. These fellowships, fully paid and untaxed, are targeted at young researchers who want to fuel their academic careers through high-impact research in the field of health sciences.
🌟 About the UKZN Post-Doctoral Fellowships 9 Fully Funded Research Positions in Health Sciences
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) holds a position among the world’s top 500 universities. The university is a leader in research and innovation in Africa. The fellowship program is intended for health sciences faculty to do innovative research, be published in high-impact journals, and contribute to the public health community andthe UKZN’s mission.
These fellowships are not employment, but they are tax-free and are meant for people with PhD degrees looking for further academic qualifications, getting mentorship from top experts, and preparing for a career globally competitive in academia or healthcare.
In line with UKZN’s commitment to transformation and inclusivity, we will give preference to applicants from specific employment equity groups.
💼 Key Responsibilities
Being a postdoctoral fellow, your role will be to:
- Carry out independent and original research with the help of a UKZN academic supervisor
- Realize and implement a research agenda consistent with the strategic goals of the College of Health Sciences
- Publish in DHET/ISI-recognized journals (preferably Q1) at least two articles per year
- Share your results at national and global conferences
- Postgraduate students will be mentored and supervision will be provided to those that need it
- Engage in vibrant forums, research activities, and interdisciplinary events
- Help with grant applications, ethical considerations, and research reporting
- Give support to the academic visibility and research output of your host school (School of Medicine or School of Health Sciences)
- Have a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in Health Sciences or a closely related field
- The degree must have been conferred after 2020 (the last 5 years)
- Submit the certified copies of the degrees and transcripts
- A South African visa that is valid and that clearly states that the visa is for “post-doctoral duties” (both study visas and general work permits are not acceptable)
- The medical certificate is compulsory to the processing of the application
The applicants should prove that they have:
- A publishing record of a high level with at least three (3) first-author papers in Q1-ranked journals
- Being researchers in the area of health
- Capability to head research projects and to increase the academic output of the school
- Not previously post-doctoral funding from UKZN
- A promise to publish two DHET/ISI-accredited papers annually
- The willingness to carry out a small part of the teaching work or academic mentoring
Provided here is information about the fellowship benefits:
Annual Stipend: R280,000 (non-taxable)
Research Allowance of R30,000, for example: materials, travel, or publication fees
Duration: One year (can be extended depending on performance and availability of funds)
Start Date: September/October 2025
📎 How to Apply
All applications have to be finalized in a single PDF file and sent to this email address:
📧 Ms. Phumzile Sibanyoni 📨 Email: SibanyoniP@ukzn.ac.za
✅ Required Documents (in one PDF):
- Research Proposal (concise and focused)
- Detailed CV (highlighting publications, research experience, and achievements)
- Certified copies of all academic degrees and transcripts (including PhD)
- South African ID (for citizens) or passport (for international applicants)
- Valid post-doctoral visa (international applicants only)
- Medical certificate (international applicants only)
- Two reference letters—one must be from your PhD supervisor
⚠️ Warning: If your application is incomplete or if you have sent it to a different email, it will not be accepted.
📅 Application Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 August 2025 (No late submissions accepted)
- Start Date: September/October 2025
- Fellowship Duration: Whether your concentration is in public health, clinical research, epidemiology, or biomedical sciences, UKZN provides the environment and supports the resources to help you make a bigger difference.
🚀 Apply Now and Advance Your Research Career!
Submit your complete application to SibanyoniP@ukzn.ac.za by 15 August 2025 and become part of Africa’s leading research community at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
👉 Official Contact: SibanyoniP@ukzn.ac.za
🌐 Learn More: www.ukzn.ac.za
This is a third-party announcement. We are not affiliated with UKZN. Always verify details on the official university website before applying.
