Post-doctoral opportunity in Malaria Research– VectorGrid Africa Project
Duration: 5 years, with contract renewal dependent on achievement of project milestones.
Remuneration: R300 000/annum tax-free. 3 months’ probation, then annually, depending on achievement of project milestones.
Leave: 15 working days.
Application due date: 20th September 2025.
Project background:
The World Health Organization stresses that disease vector surveillance is vital for controlling mosquito-borne diseases. Limited resources in many African countries hinder effective surveillance, which impacts our understanding of transmission and the effects of climate change. A new multi-country project aims to create a networked observatory for data collection and analysis in Africa, enhancing local capabilities and strengthening responses to biological threats.
The Wits Research Institute for Malaria (WRIM – https://www.wits.ac.za/wrim/) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS).
Eligibility criteria:
Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at WITS (Johannesburg, South Africa). Graduated with a PhD in a closely related field. No relocation funding is currently available for the project.
Duties and responsibilities of the post-doctoral fellow:
These will include, but not be limited to:
-
Conduct innovative research
-
Research activities on the project (Predictions of disease outbreak and mosquito population response, development of risk maps)
-
Post-graduate supervision and training
-
Routine mosquito rearing
-
Grant writing to develop your research independence within the WRIM and ensure long-term sustainability
-
Publications
-
Conference attendance
-
Project management
-
Assist in field work activities in South Africa (suitable driver’s licence)
-
Administrative responsibilities (Section 20 application for field research activities and other regulatory requirements, ordering for consumables, equipment for project, etc)
-
Develop new capacity within WRIM
Requirements:
Self-learner and not scared to develop new skills to advance the project and your career. You need to be a self-starter, able to troubleshoot and think creatively. PhD degree; South African or international driver’s licence for field vehicle (4×4 manual driving); flexible hours; modelling experience will be a significant advantage, entomological experience, field work experience, database experience; Work in a multi-disciplinary team; effective communication; publication record, grant writing experience will be an advantage. Must be able to work in tropical conditions with live mosquitoes.
Please get in touch with me (lizette.koekemoer@wits.ac.za) and provide a motivation letter outlining your expertise and experience, an academic transcript (complete record), a copy of your CV, and references so we can contact them.
Prof Lizette L. Koekemoer (PhD, FRES)
Wits Research Institute for Malaria (WRIM)
📩 lizette.koekemoer@wits.ac.za
🌐 https://www.wits.ac.za/wrim/
University of the Witwatersrand
Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Pathology
Wits Research Institute for Malaria
Faculty of Health Sciences, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
• Tel: +27 (0)11 717-2424 • Fax: +27 (0)11 386-6481 • Cell: +27 (0)83 625-6309
• Email: lizette.koekemoer@wits.ac.za • https://www.wits.ac.za/wrim/
For More Scholarship Opportunities Visit
https://scholarship360.co/
