Postdoctoral Fellowship
Scope of Research
Two postdoctoral fellowships are available in the Department of Microbiology at Stellenbosch University, funded by the SAMRC–UKRI project “Discovery of Novel Antifungals from Natural Environments (DONE)” under the supervision of Prof Karin Jacobs.
The project aims to develop a high-throughput fungal screening (HTFS) platform to discover new antifungal compounds from soil and aquatic microbes, including myxobacteria, actinomycetes and fungi. Fellows will focus on uncultured and difficult-toculture
microorganisms, antifungal screening, and metabolite characterisation, in collaboration with Rhodes University, University of the Western Cape, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and University of Plymouth.
Key Responsibilities
• Isolation and characterisation of uncultured or difficult-to-culture microbes from soil, freshwater, and marine environments.
• Development of HTFS assays.
• Genome sequencing (Oxford Nanopore or Illumina) and bioinformatics (SPAdes, PROKKA, KEGG, etc.) for resistance profiling and pathway analysis.
• Comparative genomics, phylogenetics, and metabolite profiling in collaboration with international partners.
• Contribution to postgraduate student supervision, publications, and dissemination of results.
Requirements
• PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related field (obtained within the previous 5 years).
• Publication record in microbial ecology, antimicrobial resistance, or natural products research.
• Strong expertise in microbial isolation, molecular biology (PCR, qPCR and sequencing), and bioinformatics.
• Experience with myxobacteria, actinomycetes, or other challenging taxa; and fungi, lab management; postgraduate supervision.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Ability to communicate in English.
Advantages
• Ability to communicate in Afrikaans.
Fellowship Conditions
Duration: 2 years (November 2025 to December 2027), renewable annually based on performance.
Value: in line with SAMRC–UKRI funding.
Preference will be given to South African citizens.
Commencement Date: As soon as possible, preferably on the 1st of November 2025
Closing Date: 17 October 2025
Application Process
Send a single PDF to Prof Karin Jacobs (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) containing: a letter of application outlining research interests, motivation, and relevant expertise; a comprehensive CV including a publication list; the names and contact details of at least two referees; and a PhD certificate or proof of submission.
Enquiries
Prof Karin Jacobs
Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
