2-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

About the role

The BIOGRIP Node for Soil and Water analysis at Stellenbosch University offers a fully funded two‑year postdoctoral fellowship. The role focuses on developing protocols and methods for water and sediment sampling and radionuclide determination using gamma spectrometry, which will be applied to the Onrus wetland in the Western Cape to assess radionuclides and stable water isotopes as hydrological tracers.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and validate laboratory protocols for gamma‑spectrometric analysis of radionuclides in water and sediment.
• Design and conduct field sampling campaigns in seasonal wetland environments, including the Onrus wetland.
• Interpret laboratory and field data to establish water‑balance estimates and tracer applications.

Required profile

• PhD in Environmental Science or a related discipline obtained within the past five years.
• Demonstrated experience analysing water for stable isotopes and interpreting the results.
• Proven ability to design and collect field data in seasonal wetland settings.
• Possession of a South African Code B driver’s licence (or international equivalent).
• Record of publications in accredited journals appropriate to time since PhD.

Required skills

• Gamma spectrometry for radionuclide analysis.
• Stable water isotope laboratory techniques.
• Field sampling and data collection in wetland environments.
• Data interpretation and water‑balance modelling.

What we offer

• Fellowship value of R320 000 per year for two years, with possible continuation based on performance and funding.
• Tax‑free fellowship; postdoctoral fellows are not employees and do not receive employee benefits.