The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representativity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ENGINEERING, AND SCIENCE
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
TWO-YEAR FIXED-TERM APPOINTMENT
SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND SCIENCES
DISCIPLINE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

PIETERMARTIZBURG CAMPUS

REFERENCE NO.: SAScBS 18/2026

A postdoctoral fellowship is currently available in Redox Systems Biology. The project will be undertaken in the lab of Prof Ché Pillay (UKZN), in collaboration with Prof Johann Rohwer (Stellenbosch University) and Dr Elizabeth Veal (University of Newcastle, UK). This position is funded by the National Research Foundation (South Africa) for an initial period of one year, which may be renewable for a further year. This project focuses on the recovery dynamics following oxidative stress within the model organism Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Oxidative stress triggers profound metabolic, signalling, and transcriptional changes within cells, but the recovery trajectories of cells after this stress have received less attention. This project aims to determine how the thiol redox systems reset following an oxidative insult. The preferred incumbent must have a strong skill set in yeast molecular cell biology, while expertise in CRISPR/Cas technology and Python-based data analysis is an advantage. S/he must be prepared to invest in building those skills they might be lacking and travel to collaborator labs. The incumbent will also be required to participate in general laboratory operations and to train and supervise postgraduate students.

Minimum Requirements:
• A PhD in Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology or a related field obtained within the last five years.
• Candidates must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
• Evidence of recent peer-reviewed publication(s) in accredited journals.
• Demonstrable experience with molecular cell biology techniques.

Comprehensive applications are invited, comprising the following:
• A cover letter summarising your background and interests, and how your skills match those required for the project.
• A detailed CV including ISI-listed publications.
• Letters of support and contact details of two academic referees.
• An academic transcript listing the award of a PhD thesis.
• A representative publication.

Enquiries and details regarding this post may be directed to Prof Ché Pillay (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). The closing date for receipt of applications is 15 June 2026. The remuneration will be in line with the UKZN fixed-term appointment rates.

Application documentation must be sent to Ms Tanya Karalic, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Advert Reference number MUST be clearly stated in the subject line. Late applications will not be considered.

Please note that correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates. The School of Agriculture and Science reserves the right not to make an appointment.

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