Job Description

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for postdoctoral fellowships in the Department of Pharmacology, AMIDT Research Platform. Candidates with a research interest and experience in ethnopharmacology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences and molecular pharmacology, with special research interest in natural medicines drug discovery and development are encouraged to apply. Candidates with proven experience in pharmacology research methodologies preclinical and mechanistic studies would be considered. Candidates with experience in molecular pharmacology, biochemistry for herbal drug discovery are encouraged to apply. Applicants whose PhD degrees are 5 years and older may not apply. The post is based in Bloemfontein, South Africa.The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account the applicants' academic achievements, publication outputs and research potential, as well as the relevance of prior experience and expertise. The fellowship is available for a period of two years, renewable for up to maximum of five years subject to satisfactory performance. Potential candidates may be interviewed.Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct innovative research in the following areas: Pharmacology research, ethnopharmacology, analytical pharmacology drug discovery and development as well as assist in teaching and training of Pharmacology postgraduate students and participate in all departmental academic programs and activities.
• Author/co-author at least three (3) publications outputs per year in the form of DHET- accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
• Initiate projects and seek funding for them
• Register and reside as postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS and participate in relevant activities of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Directorate of Research

Eligibility requirements:

• Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
• Graduated with a PhD degree in a relevant discipline within the last five years.
• Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
• Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 100% of her/his postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Value of the fellowship:

• R 300 000 annual fellowship.
• R 30 000 additional research expenses fund.

CompetenciesTo apply, please email the following documentation by 30 September 2024 to: Prof Matsabisa at

• Motivation letter, including a 1-2 page outline of relevant expertise and experience with evidence of the experience in post applied for
• Full CV including a list of research publications, conference papers and other scholarly outputs
• Certified copy of doctoral degree certificate
• Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants)
• Contact details of two contactable academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.

Closing date:
30 September 2024.Commencement of fellowship:
1 November 2024 or as soon as possible.For enquiries, please contact:
Professor Motlalepula G. Matsabisa
Office:
E-mail:General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at:The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position.

University of the Free State