Postdoctoral Fellow

BACKGROUND

The DUT Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (DaSAIRI) is a newly established, DVC: Research, Innovation and Engagement (RIE)-mandated research institute at Durban University of Technology. The Institute’s vision is to be a flagship research institute for advancing Africa data and knowledge intelligence, data science and analytics, smart cities and IoT, natural-language processing, trustworthy and responsible AI as well as AI for sustainable development and public value. Its strategic opportunity is not to pursue every fashionable technology. It is to build the data, methods, models, governance and interdisciplinary partnerships that allow AI to work credibly in African environments. DaSAIRI currently has three priority research themes, which include African Data, Language and Knowledge Intelligence (Priority Theme 1); Trustworthy, Responsible and Human-Centred AI (Priority Theme 2); and AI for Sustainable Systems and Public Value (Priority Theme 3).

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We, therefore, seek candidates who will fulfil the following objectives:

• To place Durban University of Technology (DUT) at the forefront of research and innovation.
• Conduct active and innovative research aligned with the research priorities of the Institute and contribute to high-quality scholarly publications.
• Produce a minimum of two research units per annum in DHET-accredited journals, in accordance with institutional research and publication requirements.
• Contribute to postgraduate research supervision through an active co-supervisory role, under the guidance of the designated academic supervisor.
• Participate actively in the Institute’s research activities, including seminars, webinars, research engagements, knowledge-sharing initiatives and relevant academic forums.
• Teach modules in relevant undergraduate/postgraduate programmes.
• Initiate local, national and international networks of researchers.
• Submit quarterly progress reports to the Project Leader, detailing research activities, outputs, milestones achieved and planned activities for the subsequent reporting period.

KEY DETAILS

1. VALUE PER ANNUM: R300 000 per annum (tax-exempt stipend), subject to confirmation of funding.  

2. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Must hold a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent), awarded within the last five years, in one of the following fields: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Data Science; Statistics; Computational Linguistics; Information Technology; Information Systems; Cybersecurity; Electrical and Electronics Engineering; Computer Engineering; Information and Communications Engineering; Telecommunications Engineering; Civil Engineering; Geomatics; Mechanical Engineering; Industrial Engineering; Environmental Informatics; and Applied Mathematics.
• Must not be permanently employed at any university or research institution.

• Must not have held a DUT postdoctoral fellowship previously.
• Proficiency in advanced quantitative methods, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence algorithms, and relevant computational tools.
• Published at least one article or submitted one for review.
• Must demonstrate a record of, or clear potential for, peer-reviewed publication.
• Must be available to be based primarily at DUT, Durban for the duration of the fellowship.
• International applicants are welcome; valid work authorisation for South Africa is required before commencement.
• Must be 45 years of age or younger at the time of application.

 A successful applicant will be required to:

• Publish a minimum of 2 research output units per annum in DHET/ISI/IBSS accredited outlets/journals.
• Abide by DUT’s policies, rules and procedures for post-doctoral fellows as well as codes of conduct.
• Carry out other duties consistent with a post-doctoral fellowship. 

3. DURATION OF TENURE: 12 months, renewable, subject to evidence of progress and availability of funding.
4. CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS: 20 November 2026
5. POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP START DATE: as soon as all conditions of appointment are met
6. CONTACT PERSON: Prof. NP Zungu
7. STATUS OF POSITION: 2 Year Contract, but renewable every year.
8. APPLICATION PLATFORM: Applications will be received only via DUT Careers Portal.

Applications should include:

• A full Curriculum Vitae.
• Official certified Academic transcripts of all degrees and the corresponding certified copies of the Degree certificates.
• A certified copy of the identity document details page or passport details page.
• Visa (required from successful International Researchers only).
• Medical certificate (required from successful International Researchers only. For SA Citizens and SA Permanent Residents, it is not required).
• Two reference letters, one of which must be from the Doctoral Supervisor.

Please note:

The University reserves the right not to appoint. While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be given in terms of the University’s Equity Plan.