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Environmental Sciences & Management NWU
Town:
Potchefstroom
Position:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Experience Needed:
Are you passionate about soil biology and committed to using molecular tools for ecological research?
This position supports the development of a molecular laboratory focused on metabarcoding of soil biota, with a strong emphasis on third-generation sequencing technologies (e.g., Oxford Nanopore).
You will form part of a young and dynamic research group dedicated to understanding the links between biological actors, soil ecosystem functioning, and more sustainable food production.
Experience in nematode ecology and working in agricultural systems will be considered strong advantages.
Requirements:
QUALIFICATIONS:
PhD (completed no earlier than 2020) in Molecular Ecology, Nematology, Soil Biology, Soil Microbiology, Environmental Genomics, or a related discipline.
Laboratory experience with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, library preparation, and next/third-generation sequencing.
Proficiency in bioinformatics and processing of metabarcoding datasets.
Familiarity with R or Python for statistical and sequence data analysis.
Evidence of research publication and project management experience.
Strong collaborative abilities and interest in stakeholder-relevant research.
Candidates must be 44 years of age or younger.
Enthusiastic, adaptable, and motivated to advance soil molecular biology for sustainable agriculture.
Duties Include:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Establish and manage a molecular laboratory for soil biodiversity and functional ecology research.
Develop and optimize workflows for DNA/RNA metabarcoding, targeting soil organisms including nematodes, microbes, and fungi.
Lead molecular analyses using third-generation sequencing platforms (e.g., Nanopore, PacBio).
Design experiments to evaluate the role of soil biodiversity in agroecosystem sustainability.
Publish peer-reviewed research and present findings at national and international conferences.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate molecular data with ecological and agronomic research.
Contribute to postgraduate training and research capacity building in nematology and molecular soil biology.
Participate in professional workshops and stay abreast of emerging methodologies in your field.
Additional Info:
APPLICATIONS & ENQUIRIES
Application Deadline: 23 May 2025
Appointment Date: 1 July 2025
If you are interested in applying, please submit the following documentation:
A motivation letter detailing your experience, current research activities and specific interest in the selected position(s).
Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, including publication list.
Certified copies of your PhD certificate and academic transcripts.
Names and contact details of three academic referees.
For further enquiries and application submission contact:
Prof. Gerhard Du Preez
Gerhard.Dupreez@nwu.ac.za
with subject line: Postdoc Enquiry: Molecular Soil Biology.
💻For further inquiries and submission of applications, contact Prof: Gerhard Du Preez: Gerhard.DuPreez@nwu.ac.za
📅Closing date for applications: 23 May 2025
Starting Date:
May 26, 2025
Date Created:
April 26, 2025
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