Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

The NRF-funded South African Chair in “Microbial Genomics”, based at The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) at the University of the Western Cape, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the project “Marine Microbes To The Rescue”. The value of the fellowship in 2020 is R225 000 and may be renewed for a second year. This is a full-time position and fellows may not hold full-time salaried employment during the tenure of the fellowship. The postdoctoral candidate will have the opportunity to work on individual research as well as to work within a team (doctoral, masters and Hons level students) and thus gain experience in supervision. In addition, there is the possibility to conduct a short-term research and training exchange at a collaborator s laboratory in Italy.

Project Description:

In collaboration with marine natural product chemists and ecologists in Scotland, Norway and Italy, this project focuses on marine bacteria shown to produce anti-convulsant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial or anti-inflammatory activities. Through genome sequencing and genetic engineering strategies in parallel with chemistry-guided isolation, we aim to:

i) link novel metabolites to the biosynthetic pathways encoding them, and

ii) develop over-expression strains for target pathways and compounds.

Minimum Criteria:

Applicants must have completed a PhD degree within no more than 5 years in a foundational discipline relevant to the topic. Only applicants with experience in cloning, heterologous expression and other genetic engineering strategies will be considered. Applicants should have a strong publication record, interpersonal skills, project management experience, be able to take the leadership of a project and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Application Submission:

The candidate will be under the supervision of Prof. Marla Trindade (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). To apply, please submit the following documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

• a covering letter stating why you are interested in the fellowship and why you would be the most suitable candidate for the position;
• your curriculum vitae;
• full academic records;
• the contact details of two academic referees.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 9 March 2020

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Masters (MSc) in Biotechnology

The Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM) is a leading research unit based within the Department of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Our research employs culture-based approaches as well as cutting edge ”omics” strategies to study microbiomes, and identify novel biosynthetic gene clusters and metabolites. The Institute focuses on the research and development of novel, high-value natural products for the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, food & beverage and agricultural industries, as well as products for industrial processes.

Description of Research:

A position is available on a NRF-funded project investigating the microbial ecology associated with agricultural soils. The project will combine classical, culture-based microbiological techniques with metagenomics to study the bacterial communities colonizing two important agricultural crops. A NRF grantholder-linked bursary is available for the project.

Minimum Criteria:

Applicants must have completed an Honours degree in a foundational discipline relevant to the topic (Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology) with an average course mark of 60%. Experience in basic microbiological techniques is a requirement.

Application Submission:

The candidate will be under the supervision of Dr Bronwyn Kirby-McCullough.  Applicants are to submit their CV and covering letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 10 March 2020