Post-doctoral students

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Epidemiology, Spatial Analysis and Infectious Disease Modelling

South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), Stellenbosch University

Advancing quantitative science to transform population health in Africa

Stellenbosch University (SU) is committed to advancing knowledge, research and innovation in service of society. Rooted in Africa and globally connected, SU provides a vibrant environment for researchers seeking to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.

The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), a research centre within the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, School for Data Science and Computatational Thinking based at Stellenbosch University, invites applications from outstanding, quantitatively skilled researchers for postdoctoral fellowships at the interface of epidemiology, spatial analysis and infectious disease modelling.

SACEMA brings together expertise in epidemiology, mathematics, statistics, biology and computational science to understand disease dynamics, evaluate interventions and inform public health decision-making. Our research combines rigorous epidemiological analysis, advanced statistical and spatial methods, and mathematical modelling to generate insights into the distribution, determinants and dynamics of infectious diseases—and to translate these insights into meaningful public health impact.

This is an opportunity to contribute to ambitious, policy-relevant research with the potential to shape the future of epidemic control in Africa. Fellows will work alongside leading researchers in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, with opportunities to engage with large-scale population-based HIV surveillance, longitudinal epidemiological data, spatially resolved health and demographic data, and innovative quantitative methods.

Research opportunities span HIV epidemiology and epidemic dynamics, spatial patterns and determinants of disease, the evaluation and optimisation of public health interventions, and the application of epidemiological evidence and modelling to guide disease control. We are particularly interested in candidates with strengths in epidemiological analysis, biostatistics, spatial epidemiology or infectious disease modelling, and in those keen to integrate these approaches to address important public health questions.

We seek researchers who want to go beyond methodological development to generate robust epidemiological evidence, uncover spatial and temporal patterns in disease, identify populations and settings where interventions could have the greatest impact, and help drive progress towards the control and eventual elimination of major infectious diseases.

The opportunity

Successful candidates will be based at SACEMA at Stellenbosch University and work closely with SACEMA researchers and collaborators. Fellows will have opportunities to develop an independent research profile, contribute to collaborative research programmes, publish in leading scientific journals, and strengthen their expertise at the interface of epidemiology, spatial analysis and quantitative public health science.

We welcome applicants from diverse quantitative backgrounds, including epidemiology, biostatistics, spatial epidemiology, statistics, mathematical modelling, computer science, applied mathematics and related disciplines.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD degree, obtained within the past five years, in epidemiology, biostatistics, statistics, spatial analysis, mathematical modelling, computer science or another quantitative discipline relevant to population health research.
• Demonstrated experience in epidemiological analysis, biostatistics, infectious disease modelling, spatial epidemiology or health systems research. Experience analysing longitudinal, population-based or spatially referenced health data would be an advantage.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with demonstrated programming experience (e.g. R, Stata, Python or equivalent).
• A demonstrated ability to lead independent research and contribute effectively to a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent scientific communication and academic writing skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

The selection process comprises three stages. The initial application will be followed, for shortlisted candidates, by an assessment of problem-solving ability and an in-person interview. Only candidates progressing to the next stage will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Submit your application for the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

For further information about SACEMA and its research, visit the SACEMA website.

Additional information

Postdoctoral fellows are not appointed as employees of Stellenbosch University. Fellowships are awarded tax-free.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment if suitable candidates do not apply.