Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry
Listing reference: nwu_004472
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 10 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 HEALTH SCIENCES - CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
VACANCY: POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FIXED-TERM APPOINMENT
Job description
A post-doctoral fellowship is being offered in the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences
(Pharmacen™) at the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Pharmacen™ is a cuttingedge
Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Centre with a mission of excellence in the development
of novel pharmaceutical products and technologies.
(Pharmacen™) at the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Pharmacen™ is a cuttingedge
Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Centre with a mission of excellence in the development
of novel pharmaceutical products and technologies.
Research Focus and Responsibilities
The successful applicant will join a research group focused on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry,
and analytical chemistry for the evaluation of herbal medicines.
Key responsibilities include:
- Laboratory Management: Operating and assisting in maintaining the Analytical Technology Laboratory (ATL), which includes five UPLCs, one semi-prep HPLC, Agilent Ultivo triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, and a Sciex X500R QTOF.
- Postgraduate Mentorship: A core focus of this fellowship is assisting postgraduate students in the structured preparation of literature reviews and research papers.
- Technical Guidance: Assisting students with analytical requirements and the interpretation of analytical data, specifically MS and NMR data.
- Drug Discovery: Focusing on drug discovery from medicinal plants and the scientific validation of specific herbal medicines.
- Service Delivery: Involvement in service delivery within the Pharmacen™ ATL.
Minimum requirements
Eligibility and Requirements
- Academic Background: A PhD degree (or close to completion) in Analytical Chemistry, Phytochemistry, or a closely related field obtained within the last five years.
- Professional Status: Applicants must not have held any permanent professional academic posts and must intend to pursue a full-time academic career.
- Technical Skills: Extensive knowledge of analytical chemistry and hands-on experience with Agilent Ultivo and Sciex X500R QTOF mass spectrometers and Shimadzu iNexera UPLCs.
- Additional Assets: A good publication record, experience with funding applications, and the ability to multitask are considered advantageous.
Financial Support
- Value of Fellowship: R320,000 per annum (not taxable).
- Research Funds: R50,000 per annum provided for research-related costs.
- Relocation: A once-off amount to a maximum of R20,000 for relocation costs.
Application Process
Deadline: Applications must be submitted no later than 10 June 2026.
Please submit a letter of application (detailing expertise and research interests), a two-page CV, a list of publications, and contact details for two academic referees to Professor Frank van der Kooy.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted no later than 10 June 2026.
Please submit a letter of application (detailing expertise and research interests), a two-page CV, a list of publications, and contact details for two academic referees to Professor Frank van der Kooy.
- Email: frank.vanderkooy@nwu.ac.za
- Commencement: The successful applicant should ideally be available to start by 1 August 2026, but no later than 1 September 2026.
The North-West University reserves the right to disqualify ineligible, incomplete and/or inappropriate applications and the right to change the conditions of award or to make no awards at all.