Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The application closing date:

11 Sept 2026

Description:

The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) seeks to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow (PDRF) to work with an interdisciplinary team within the clinical trials unit. The main purpose of the job is to support scientific writing and results dissemination, grant development, clinical trials implementation, student mentorship and stakeholder engagement.

This fellowship will be led by AHRI director of science, Professor Limakatso Lebina. More on Prof Lebina’s works is available here: https://www.ahri.org/scientist/limakatso-lebina/

This position is for a period of two years.

Background

AHRI’s clinical trials unit (CTU) aims to bring the latest drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to the people who need them most, first.

The CTU was established in 2021 at the AHRI-Somkhele campus in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal, and was officially opened in March 2022. The CTU leverages on the institute’s extensive population/epidemiological, implementation and clinical research. The focus is on investigational products for diseases that are major public health concerns in communities surrounding the AHRI campuses. Priority diseases include HIV, tuberculosis, emerging infections, and non-communicable diseases in the context of high HIV prevalence.

Qualifications and experience:

• PhD in public health, infectious disease, or related field
• An understanding of the South African health system will be highly advantageous
• Strong computer skills
• Experience in systematic literature review
• Experience in quantitative research
• Established track record of publications in high-impact, peer review journals
• Established track record in writing research grants

How to apply

Please complete an application form by clicking on apply link above. You are also expected to attach a cover letter, a 1–2-page CV and academic records.

The salary for this position depends on previous experience and follows AHRI’s official scheme and NRF grades and will be exempt from tax deductions due to the tax-exempt status for postdoctoral positions.

Should you have any enquiries about the position, please email [email protected] with the subject line: 'Prof Limakatso Lebina - Clinical Trials Unit'

Worker Type:

Contingent Worker

AHRI is a values-driven organisation. As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership.

Our values
The successful candidate will be expected to live by AHRI’s values, including collaboration, ubuntu, leadership, innovation, transformation, and excellence.
 
 
Employment equity
AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants, with a valid work permit desirable. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.