The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is calling on qualified South African researchers to apply for its Research Fellow positions (3-year contract) within the Department of Water and Waste Water Technology under the Division of Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship. These fellowships offer an exciting opportunity for PhD-level researchers to contribute to groundbreaking studies in water, health, bioinformatics, and algal biotechnology.
Closing Date: 09 October 2025
Location: Durban University of Technology, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Available Research Fellowships
1. Research Fellow – Water & Health
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related field
- Experience in water and health research
- At least 2 published journal articles
Recommendations:
- Specialisation in health-related water/wastewater microbiology
- Skills in molecular biology
- Publications in high-impact journals
Key Duties:
- Conduct wastewater-based epidemiology research
- Publish in leading journals
- Community engagement
- Assist with grant applications, proposals, and presentations
- Supervise postgraduate students
- Provide technical guidance
2. Research Fellow – Bioinformatics
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related field
- Experience in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and metabolomics
- At least 2 published journal articles
Recommendations:
- Expertise in metagenomics and metabolomics
- Research interest in algae–soil–plant interactions
- Strong track record of publications
Key Duties:
- Coordinate and manage the institute’s bioinformatics platform
- Conduct biofertilizer and bioinoculant research
- Publish in high-impact journals
- Supervise postgraduates and guide research teams
- Support grant and proposal submissions
3. Research Fellow – Algal Biotechnology (Algae 1)
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related field
- Expert in algal biotechnology with at least 3 years’ research experience
- At least 5 publications in algal biotechnology
Recommendations:
- Experience in applied algal technology and physiology
- Large-scale algal cultivation expertise
- Publications in high-impact journals
Key Duties:
- Conduct research in algal biotechnology
- Operate and manage large-scale algal raceway ponds
- Publish extensively in leading journals
- Supervise postgraduate research students
- Assist with proposals and funding applications
4. Research Fellow – Algal Biotechnology (Algae 2)
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, or related field
- Experience in algal biotechnology and phycoremediation
Recommendations:
- Industrial wastewater treatment using algae
- Applied algal technology research
- Publications in algal biotechnology
Key Duties:
- Support large-scale algal raceway pond projects
- Conduct applied algal biotechnology research
- Publish in high-impact journals
- Supervise postgraduates and assist in technical projects
General Eligibility & Important Notes
- Open to South African citizens and permanent residents only.
- Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
- Applications must be submitted on the official DUT application form, available at www.dut.ac.za.
- DUT is committed to equity and equal opportunities and reserves the right not to appoint.
How to Apply
To apply, candidates must:
- Download and complete the official DUT application for employment form from www.dut.ac.za.
- Email a detailed CV and covering letter (quoting the exact post title) to: careers@dut.ac.za.
- Submit your application via the relevant Simplify.hr link provided for each advertised post.
- Research Fellow – Water and Health
Click here to apply for DUT Research Fellow – Water & Health (3-Year Contract) - Research Fellow – Bioinformatics
Click here to apply for DUT Research Fellow – Bioinformatics (3-Year Contract) - Research Fellow – Algae 1
Click here to apply for DUT Research Fellow – Algae 1 (3-Year Contract) - Research Fellow – Algae 2
Click here to apply for DUT Research Fellow – Algae 2 (3-Year Contract)
Closing Date: 09 October 2025
Conclusion
The Durban University of Technology Research Fellowships 2025/2028 present an exceptional chance for PhD-qualified researchers to expand their expertise while contributing to critical projects in water, bioinformatics, and algal biotechnology. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, DUT offers fellows a platform to publish high-quality research, mentor postgraduates, and collaborate with leading experts. If you meet the requirements, be sure to apply before the 09 October 2025 deadline.