SAMRC Intra-Mural Postdoctoral Programme

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), through its Division of Research Capacity Development (RCD), is pleased to invite applications for its Intra-mural Postdoctoral Programme. This funding opportunity is available to individuals who have obtained their doctoral degrees within the last five years from the date of application.

Details about the projects and the hosting units can be accessed here.

Please note that these positions are based at the SAMRC Intramural Research Units. Applicants must contact the Unit Director/Manager or Research Mentor for further information on the project before submitting their application.

Aim of the award

The purpose of the SAMRC Intra-mural Postdoctoral Programme is to contribute to and assist in accelerating research capacity development and scientific leadership by creating opportunities to host and retain postdoctoral scientists who have demonstrated the potential to become established researchers. Postdoctoral fellows play a crucial role in strengthening the research team and student supervision.

Value and duration of the award

The value of the award is R350 000 (Three hundred and fifty thousand Rand) (tax-free funding) p.a. with a taxable top-up amount of R50 000 p.a. The period for the award is five years, comprising an initial three (3) years and a further extension for two years, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The renewal of the funding for each year is subject to the submission of a satisfactory progress report and the availability of funding for the programme.

The hosting Unit shall provide the necessary research running expenses, infrastructure, capacity development, supervision, and mentorship.

Obligations of the Postdoctoral Fellow

The Fellows shall act as researchers on the project they apply for and will spend a minimum of 80% of their working hours on the project. The Fellows will negotiate a performance contract with their supervisors as approved by the Unit Directors/Managers.

Eligibility

The following eligibility criteria are applicable to this request for applications:

• Only South African citizens and permanent residents may apply.
• Applicants must have obtained their Doctoral degree no more than five (5) years prior to application.
  • Candidates who are waiting for graduation need a strong motivation from the hosting Unit/Centre.
  • Female candidates who have graduated more than 5 years prior to application and are returning after a period of absence from research due to family responsibilities may be considered, upon motivation.
• Applicants must be younger than 40 years - candidates older than 40 years need a strong motivation from the Unit/Centre/Platform
• In accordance with the SAMRC Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender and disability status to be specified.
• Disabled individuals are encouraged to apply.

Application process

The applications must reach the RCD Division by no later than 28 August 2025

Step 1: The online application form must be completed here.

Step 2: The comprehensive application form with supporting documentation (including a full CV, certified copies of ID and PhD certificate, and letter of motivation) and the names and contact details of two academic referees must be emailed to RCDgrants.applications@mrc.ac.za before or on the closing date. Late submissions will not be considered.

Contact details

For further enquiries, contact Dr Frederic Nduhirabandi (email: frederic.nduhirabandi@mrc.ac.za or Tel: +27 21 938 0461).

The SAMRC reserves the right to disqualify ineligible, incomplete and/or inappropriate applications, change the conditions of the award, extend the closing date or make no award at all. Please note that regarding this request for application, successful candidates will be contacted within 60 days after the closing date. Successful candidates must be ready to start working on their projects.

Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
Please note that by submitting your application and other supporting documents, the SAMRC concludes that you are a competent person to consent and that you are giving consent to the SAMRC to process and further process all personal information contained in the application forms and supporting documents in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act No 4 of 2013 (as amended). You can read the full details on the act here: https://popia.co.za/.  Should you not approve of such use of your personal information, please refrain from applying.