Postdoctoral Fellowship x2 (SARChI Chair)

The fellowships target doctoral graduates who wish to pursue a career in health policy and systems research, specifically research on the health workforce. The fellows will work on one of the pre-defined topics below but within this will be expected to develop an independent contribution to the research in collaboration with the wider AFRHiCARE partners. This could provide opportunities for cross-country comparative research as well as more specific research in South Africa. The successful candidates will also have the opportunity to learn about new research methods, such as realist reviews, and travel and collaborate with counterparts in Kenya, Uganda, and the United Kingdom. The postdoctoral fellows could contribute to teaching and postgraduate supervision activities linked to these research areas in the Wits SPH, provided that these are in accordance with relevant policies, including the National Research Foundation guidelines and the South Africa Revenue Service regulations on the remuneration of postdoctoral research fellows.

The Wits SPH offers a dynamic environment in which to grow, conduct cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary research, publish, network, and engage in national and international health policy debates. The successful candidates will work under the mentorship and guidance of the SARChI Chair, Professor Laetitia Rispel.

Eligibility

1. A PhD in public health, health economics, or biostatistics obtained within the past five years. Applicants who did not obtain their doctorate in South Africa should have a valid SAQA certificate at the time of application.

2. Familiarity with the field of health policy and systems research, specifically HRH or healthcare management research.

3. Advanced research skills, preferably both quantitative and qualitative research methods

4. Ability to work with various data sources, platforms, and software such as STATA as well as MAXQDA or NVivo for qualitative data.

5. At least two peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals.

6. A go-getter, willing and able to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.

7. Ability to meet and honour deadlines.

8. Younger than or equal to 40 years of age.

9. Advanced English language proficiency.

Advantageous skills

1. Experience in research project management and ability to liaise with diverse stakeholders.

2. Good interpersonal skills.

3. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.

4. Postgraduate supervision experience.

5. Knowledge and/or experience of African health systems

6. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, including researchers, faculty, and industry partners.

The fellowship is initially tenable for one year starting in 2026 and is valued at R370 000 per annum (tax-free). Renewal for a second year will be considered depending on satisfactory progress and continued funding.

Detailed Description

Additional Details

How To Apply

Application Process

Please submit the following documents on http://www.wits.ac.za/vacancies/

• A letter of application, containing a brief motivation for the post-doctoral fellowship

• A detailed curriculum vitae highlighting academic qualifications, work experience, and a list of publications and conference presentations (where relevant)

• A concept note of maximum five pages for post-doctoral research in ONE of the following topics

a. Health worker mobility and retention in first referral hospitals

b. Examining absenteeism in the public health sector of South Africa

c. Exploring precarious work (shifts, dual practice, moonlighting) and association with patient outcomes

d. The relationship between staffing levels, skill mix, and quality of care in first referral hospitals

e. Leadership, interprofessional collaboration, gender, and organisational performance in first referral hospitals

f. Decision space of health service managers in first referral hospitals

g. Experiences of workplace violence among frontline healthcare providers

h. Harmonisation of data collected by health professions councils in South Africa

• Copies of certified academic transcripts, including those pertaining to both the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees

• Names and contact details or letters of reference from at least three referees (inclusive of two academics that have supervised, or worked alongside the applicant)

• Certified copy of ID documentation.

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed for the post-doctoral fellowship and will be expected to present their submitted concept note.

Enquiries

Ms Tshepang Letsie ***email_hidden***

Closing date for applications : Monday, 20 July 2026

NB: The University will seek confidential referee reports for all shortlisted candidates. No appointment will be made without the receipt and satisfactory consideration of the required referee reports.

By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University’s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University’s recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to appointable applicants from the designated South African groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment, to re-advertise, and to verify all information provided by candidates. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

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Work At Home