Postdoctoral Fellowship : Unit For Data Science And Computing
Listing reference: nwu_004554
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 31 July 2026
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Potchefstroom
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
About our company
NWU
Introduction
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS)
FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES - UNIT FOR DATA SCIENCE AND COMPUTING
VACANCY: POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT
Job description
A full-time Postdoctoral Fellowship position is available in the Unit for Data Science and Computing at the North-West University (NWU), South Africa. This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging scholar to engage in high-impact, internationally collaborative research in reliability modelling and accelerated life testing (ALT) using modern statistical and computational methods. Preference may be given to research using Bayesian methodology. The fellowship will be hosted in the Unit for Data Science and Computing with Prof Neill Smit as the primary host scientist.
This full-time Postdoctoral Fellowship is funded through the NWU Postdoctoral Programme. The fellowship carries a value of R320 000 (tax-free) per annum, once-off relocation costs, and R50 000 per annum research funding. The fellowship is tenable for three years in the first instance, subject to annual renewal based on performance, and can be extended to a period of up to five years. The Postdoctoral Fellowship will be based in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Depending on available funding, there may be opportunities for additional remuneration linked to strong research productivity and high-quality publications arising from collaborative work with the host scientist.
This full-time Postdoctoral Fellowship is funded through the NWU Postdoctoral Programme. The fellowship carries a value of R320 000 (tax-free) per annum, once-off relocation costs, and R50 000 per annum research funding. The fellowship is tenable for three years in the first instance, subject to annual renewal based on performance, and can be extended to a period of up to five years. The Postdoctoral Fellowship will be based in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Depending on available funding, there may be opportunities for additional remuneration linked to strong research productivity and high-quality publications arising from collaborative work with the host scientist.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Study the specific research topic as negotiated with the host scientist.
- Play an active role as an investigator in all aspects of the research project.
- Play an active and independent role in the project and prepare at least two research articles per year, in collaboration with the host scientist, for submission to high-impact international journals.
- Present research findings at national and international seminars and conferences.
Minimum requirements
- Applicants must be under the age of 45 years.
- A recently obtained PhD degree (within the last five years) in one of the following fields:
- Statistics / Mathematical Statistics
- Reliability Engineering / Operations Research / Applied Mathematics (with a strong statistical background)
- A publication record in suitable peer-reviewed journals.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES AND EXPRIENCE
- Experience in statistical inference and lifetime, survival or reliability data analysis.
- Experience in accelerated life testing, accelerated degradation testing or related reliability modelling is highly advantageous.
- Experience in Bayesian statistics and computational Bayesian inference is preferred.
- Strong coding skills in a statistical programming language such as R. Experience with Bayesian computing tools such as Stan, JAGS, NIMBLE or similar software is advantageous.
- A demonstrable ability to conduct independent research, write scientific papers, and communicate effectively in English.
RESEARCH FOCUS
The research will centre on methodological and applied problems in accelerated life testing, with possible research themes including:
The research will centre on methodological and applied problems in accelerated life testing, with possible research themes including:
- Bayesian ALT models for single-stress and multiple-stress settings.
- Flexible lifetime models for censored, truncated, competing-risk, or degradation.
- Bayesian parameter estimation, model selection, and prior specification in ALT.
- Bayesian computational methods and inference for ALT models.
- Design and analysis of ALT experiments using simulation studies and real-data applications.
APPLICATION
- The closing date for application is 31 July 2026. Applications must include the following:
- Letter of motivation, detailing relevant experience and research interests, current research activities, and interest in this position.
- Detailed CV, including a list of peer-reviewed publications.
- Contact details of two referees.
- Certified copy of the applicant's doctoral degree certificate or PhD award letter.
- Certified copy of the applicant’s ID / permanent residency / passport document. Foreign nationals must obtain relevant permits before appointment.
- Applications should be submitted by email to Prof Neill Smit (neill.smit@nwu.ac.za).
- The NWU reserves the right not to make an appointment. Please consider your application unsuccessful if you have not been contacted within two weeks of the application closing date. Any enquiries regarding this position can be directed to Prof Smit at the email address given above.