The Food Environment Research group (a collective from Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, School of Public Health and the DSI/NRF Center of Excellence in Food Security) at the University of the Western Cape under the leadership of Prof Rina Swart is seeking Post-doctoral Research Fellows to work on several studies related to the food environment in South Africa.
The positions will provide successful candidates with research and publication opportunities including further training, career development, and collaboration with national and international researchers. The Postdoctoral Fellows will be required to register at the University of the Western Cape, except for project 4 who may register at UNISA.
University of the Western Cape Information
Founded in 1959, University of the Western Cape is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Bellville (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Western Cape. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of the Western Cape (UWC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 60 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 50-60% making this South African higher education organization a averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have completed a PhD in the last five years. For applicants who did not obtain their qualification in South Africa, a valid SAQA certificate should be in hand at the time of application.
- The field of study should be in Public Health, Nutrition, Health Economics, Medical Sciences or related fields.
- Have a strong academic record with evidence of research experience and peer-reviewed publications.
- Be physically present in South Africa, due to the nature of the research projects.
- Have not hold a previous post-doc appointment.
Additional requirements are provided under each study:
- Food Consumption patterns in South Africa: The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for assisting with the management of the National Dietary intake survey for which data collection will start in February 2022. Additional requirements include a nutrition background; knowledgeable of/experience with dietary intake methodology and nutrient analysis. Candidates with training in behavioural science or behavioural economics (with an interest in nutrition/health behaviour) may also be considered. Strong quantitative or qualitative analytical skills will be advantageous.
- Gut-microbiome and nutrition: Additional requirements include a background in nutrition with an interest in gut-microbiome. Candidates with a background in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Human Biology or Physiology may be considered, provided the candidate has an interest in nutrition. Strong quantitative analytical skills will be advantageous.
- PURE (Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology) study: The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for assisting with the management of the 3rd round of data collection and follow up. Applicants with clinical background in either Medicine, Nursing, Human Biology/ Physiology or Nutrition will be considered. Additional requirement for this position: Fluency in Xhosa is highly desirable. Strong quantitative analytical skills will be advantageous.
- Cardiovascular, haemostatic and micronutrient status of pregnant women in urban food environments – the CHAMP study: The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for assisting with the management of the CHAMP project at UNISA and will work under supervision of UNISA researchers.
Application Process
Enquiries and completed application should be emailed to Carnita Ernest, with cc to Rina Swart . Use subject heading: Application for Postdoctoral Fellowship (Food Environments).
Required Documents:
- A cover letter (1-2 pages) motivating for the candidate’s suitability and identifying the specific project(s) of interest.
- A CV including all publications and other scholarly research output.
- Evidence of publication record and writing skills (which can be copies of or a link to relevant previous peer-reviewed publication).
- An academic transcript.
- For those who require a SAQA certificate please include the copy of the certificate.
- Names and contact details of at least 3 referees who have supervised or worked with the candidate and can speak to their experience and skills.
Founded in 1959, University of the Western Cape is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Bellville (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Western Cape. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of the Western Cape (UWC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 60 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 50-60% making this South African higher education organization a averagely selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.