PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Soil-Plant-Microbe Interactions group, under Prof. Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, seeks to recruit a suitably qualified Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the investigation of the Multi-Omics Mechanisms of Tolerance and Climatic Niche Adaptation in Soybeans: Addressing Soil Degradation and Farming System Challenges.

• PhD in molecular agricultural biotechnology, agricultural genomics, computational biology, or a closely related field of multi-omics.
• Ability to operate maximally in an interdisciplinary environment, using bioinformatics to analyze agricultural datasets and applying data science and machine learning (ML) techniques to perform analysis and predictions on these datasets.
• The candidate must have demonstrable experience working with ML libraries in Python and/or R and be able to use version control systems such as git.
• Proven ability to work independently within a research lab and support students.
• Hands-on experience in field/molecular biology techniques in the related omics subject and programming.
• A track record of publications related to the outlined research area with an emphasis on bioinformatics, multi-omics and machine learning.

Value and tenure

The stipend payable is currently R320 00.00 per year; if satisfactory performance is achieved, the Principal Investigator could extend it for a second and subsequent years for a total of 5 years and up to R20 000 for relocation expenses.

To apply, in a single PDF file, applicants should submit a one-page letter of motivation including a statement of research interests, curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications, names and contact details of 3 referees to olubukola.babalola@nwu.ac.za, with the subject line “Ref: SPMIG26”

Selection process

Applications that do not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Accordingly, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration.

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof. Olubukola Babalola; Tel: 018 389 2568 or olubukola.babalola@nwu.ac.za

CLOSING DATE: 07 August 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

It all starts here ®