The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for three postdoctoral fellowships commencing in 2025.
This call is open to all nationalities. In addition, the applicants must have been active in research since obtaining their Doctoral degree. In the case of a break in research, an applicant must have obtained his/her Doctoral degree on or after 30 September 2020. Successful applicants must be able to commence with their postdoctoral fellowships in South Africa on or before 1 October 2025.
STRUCTURE AND FUNDING LEVELS OF SARAO’s 2025 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
The postdoctoral fellowships are only tenable at South African universities and are awarded for three years. However, the renewal of a postdoctoral fellowship each year is subject to satisfactory performance. Annual progress reports (APRs) detailing progress on deliverables, as outlined in the original research proposal, will determine this. In the APRs, deliverables should be demonstrated by showing evidence, e.g., senior authorship peer-reviewed papers, conference proceedings, developed hardware, preliminary results of simulations or data analysis, etc. Please submit a timely progress report to avoid cancelling the fellowship for the current and subsequent years.
The postdoctoral fellowship level for 2025 is ZAR 460,410 (USD 25,624). A travel grant of ZAR 48,000 (USD 2,671.5) per annum supplements this amount. An equipment grant of ZAR 72,000 (USD 4,007.25) will support the duration of the fellowship. There is no relocation grant for SARAO postdoctoral fellows. Successful applicants may not use their travel grants to cover their relocation costs to South Africa.
RESEARCH PROPOSALS AND HOSTS/SUPERVISORS FOR SARAO POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS FOR 2025
All postdoctoral fellowship applications must be endorsed by a host/supervisor at the university in South Africa where the fellowship will be undertaken. A list of supervisors who have indicated that they are willing to host SARAO postdoctoral fellows in 2025 is provided in the link below.
Applicants must investigate the research specializations of individual hosts and institutions to inform their choices and align them with their strengths and interests. Applicants must contact the respective hosts to discuss whether a host is willing to endorse the application and to discuss and draft a research project and implementation plan for submission as part of the application.
For 2025, SARAO will consider research project proposals that involve the scientific use or technical development of all radio astronomy and geodesy facilities located and operated in South Africa under the auspices of SARAO, including guest instruments. Relevant data for any research proposed must be available in 2025. Priority will go to projects directly associated with MeerKAT. Proposals linked to guest instruments will need to explicitly provide proof of the availability of all resources required, including the maturity of the particular instrument (and the availability of relevant data).
HOW TO APPLY
- Apply Online at: https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za
- Closing Date for Applicants: 31 August 2024
The universities set their internal closing dates for applications. Please find out from the university where you intend to complete your postdoctoral fellowship what their internal closing date is, and ensure you submit your application by that date.
Please note that SARAO will notify successful applicants by 15 December 2024. If you have not heard from SARAO by 15 December 2024, please assume your application was unsuccessful.
SARAO CONTACT INFORMATION
Queries regarding the application requirements or the application procedure may be directed to:
Dr Mthuthuzeli Zamxaka
Email: mzamxaka@sarao.ac.za
Telephone: +27 11 268 3424
Please visit here for more information on the supervisors and their research specialisation.
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