Job Description

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Plant Sciences.The following Post-Doctoral Fellowship is available to support activities in the discipline of Plant PathologyResearch area: Research on diseases associated with summer grains (particularly, soybean and sunflower), their management and epidemiology.The successful applicant will be expected to engage in full-time post-doctoral research under the supervision of Dr Lisa Rothmann in the Division of Plant Pathology (Department of Plant Sciences).Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct in vitro and in vivo trials, i.e., laboratory, glasshouse and field scale, to screen putative disease control agents.
• Assist with soybean and sunflower disease surveillance, diagnosis, and identification.
• Facilitate coordination between collaborators on the research project and related research projects.
• Document and report on research activities and findings through progress reporting, popular media and DHET accredited peer-reviewed journals.
• Data analyses and statistical programming, preferably with R & R-Studio, as well as assisting post-graduate students in learning these skills.
• Supervision of post-graduate research (Honours, Masters, and PhD).
• Identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds for own/group research or scholarly projects.
• Lead and develop internal networks, for example by chairing and participating in departmental and/or university committees or working groups.
• Ensure connectivity and networking with industry and producer partners, for example producing popular articles and contributing to industry meetings.
• Develop links with external contacts such as other educational bodies, employers, and professional bodies to foster collaboration.
• Undertake national/international visits to establish partnerships and develop soft skills.

Minimum Requirements:

• A doctoral degree obtained in the last five years in Plant Pathology with a specialisation in diagnostics, extension, plant disease epidemiology, and/or disease management.
• Applicants must hold a valid South African driver's license or an international driver's licence accepted in South Africa.
• Must be based at the Bloemfontein campus of the UFS for the duration of the fellowship.
• Must be willing to register with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) or similar.

CompetenciesComprehensive applications are invited, comprising of:

• A PhD degree in Plant Pathology or closely related field, with strong training in diagnostics and extension, plant disease epidemiology, and/or disease management.
• A letter of motivation, including the earliest possible starting date.
• An up-to-date CV.
• Contact details of two academic referees.
• Record of academic transcripts.
• An example of your academic writing skills, by either providing an article or chapter of your PhD thesis

Value of the fellowship:

• R 240,000 annual fellowship.
• R 30,000 additional research expenses fund.

Application:

• Applications must be sent to Dr Lisa A Rothmann at CoetzeeLA@ufs.ac.za
• Late applications will not be considered.
• An online interview will take place.
• Successful individuals will be contacted six to eight weeks after the interviews.

Closing date:
05 May 2024Commencement of fellowship:
As soon as possibleFor enquiries, please contact:
Email: Dr Lisa Rothmann, CoetzeeLA@ufs.ac.zaGeneral:
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 : EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdfThe 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.Additional Information

University of the Free State