Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Health Systems and Policy Research

Type:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship within the research niche area of Health Systems and Policy Research. The fellowships is a two-year fixed contract subject to satisfactory annual performance. The tax-free stipend is R300 000 per annum.

Requirements

Applicants should:

• Hold a PhD in Public Health, Health Systems, Health Policy, Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Health Services Research, Implementation Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Have obtained the doctoral degree within the past five (5) years.
• Demonstrate an excellent publication record relative to career stage.
• Show evidence of conducting independent research.
• Possess strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of health systems research methodologies.
• Have experience in scientific writing and publishing.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be willing to relocate to the University of Limpopo and participate fully in research activities. 
• Be able to work independently and within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Preference will be given to applicants with experience in grant writing, implementation research, policy analysis, mixed-methods research, or programme evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful fellow will be expected to:

• Conduct innovative research in Health Systems and Policy Research.
• Develop an independent but complementary research programme aligned with the host's research agenda.
• Publish high-quality research in accredited international peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Prepare policy briefs, technical reports, and knowledge translation products.
• Participate in the development of competitive national and international research grant applications.
• Contribute to postgraduate supervision and mentorship of Master's and PhD students.
• Participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and research capacity-building initiatives.
• Collaborate with local and international research partners.
• Contribute to community-engaged and implementation research addressing African health priorities.
• Support innovation and knowledge translation activities that strengthen health systems and influence policy.

Expected outputs

During the fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to produce:

• At least 4 accredited journal publications over the two-year fellowship.
• Several conference presentations at national and international scientific meetings.
• At least one competitive external research grant application.
• Policy briefs supporting evidence-informed health policy.
• Research reports for government and other stakeholders.
• Contributions to postgraduate student supervision and capacity development.
• Collaborative publications with the host supervisor and research team.
• Participation in multidisciplinary research projects within the Faculty and University.