Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Organic Chemistry (1-year contract, renewable up to 3 years) Department of Chemistry (Job ID 6463)

The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Chemistry. Candidates interested in pursuing research in synthetic organic chemistry amino acid chemistry peptide modification and the development of functional molecules for biomedical and soft-materials applications are encouraged to apply.

The fellowship will enable an outstanding doctoral graduate to obtain experience in research and innovation at a higher education institution under the mentorship of established researchers.

The fellowship is awarded on a competitive basis taking into account the applicants academic achievements publication outputs and research potential as well as the relevance of prior experience and expertise. The fellowship is available for a period of one year renewable for up to three years subject to satisfactory performance.

Duties and responsibilities:

Conduct innovative research in the synthesis and characterization of non-canonical amino acids bearing donor acceptor fluorescent redox-active or metal-ligating substituents and their application in peptide chemistry biomedical research and functional soft materials. The work will be conducted in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Brussels Belgium with possible research exchange visits depending on project needs and available funding.
Have or develop expertise in several of the following areas:
o synthetic organic chemistry and multistep synthesis preferably including amino acid peptide and supramolecular chemistry;
o structural characterization using NMR MS and other relevant analytical techniques;
o basic analytical and physicochemical studies of functional molecules and peptide-based materials;
o basic computational chemistry skills would be advantageous;
o independent scientific writing manuscript preparation presentation of research results and contribution to grant applications.
Author/co-author at least three (3) publication outputs per year in the form of DHET accredited scholarly journal articles or books/chapters in books. The renewal of the fellowship beyond the first year depends on satisfactory performance and the submission of an annual progress report.
Initiate projects and seek funding.
Register and reside as postdoctoral research fellow at the UFS in Bloemfontein and participate in relevant activities of the Centre for Graduate Support and the Directorate of Research Development.

Eligibility requirements:
Open to all South African and foreign nationals for full-time research at the University of the Free State.
Applicants must have achieved a PhD degree in synthetic organic chemistry medicinal chemistry or a cognate discipline within the past five years.
Successful applicants may not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.
Successful applicants must be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship. This is a residential fellowship: the successful applicant is required to spend 80% of their postdoctoral period at the UFS.

Value of the fellowship:
R 270 000 annual fellowship
R 30 000 additional research expenses fund

Application:
To apply please email the following documentation by 15 June 2026 to Prof. Vladimir Azov at :

Motivation letter including a 1-2-page outline of relevant expertise and experience.
Full CV including a list of research publications conference papers and other scholarly outputs demonstrating relevant experience in the field of Conservation Genetics.
Full transcripts of academic record and copy of doctoral degree certificate.
Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of foreign applicants).
Contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervised the candidate.

Closing date:
15 June 2026.

Commencement of fellowship:
1 September 2026

For enquiries please contact:
Prof. Vladimir Azov: Email:

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: UFS EEA13 1 March 202528 Feb 2026

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.