Postdoctoral Fellow (2-Year Contract): Stellenbosch University’s Elasmobranch Genetics Group (Department of Genetics), in collaboration with the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship under the project “EDGE of Tomorrow: Integrating Ecological Data with Genomic and Evolutionary Assessments for Elasmobranch Conservation Management.”
Postdoctoral Fellow in Elasmobranch Conservation Genomics (2-Year Contract)
This NRF-funded project aims to integrate ecological and genomic data to support the conservation and management of sharks and rays (elasmobranchs), particularly within South Africa and the Southwest Indian Ocean.
The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge conservation genomics, combining local ecological knowledge, population genetics, species distribution modelling, and innovative data-driven management strategies for threatened marine species.
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Project Title | EDGE of Tomorrow: Integrating Ecological Data with Genomic and Evolutionary Assessments for Elasmobranch Conservation Management |
| Host Institution | Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University |
| Collaborating Institutions | Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) |
| Supervisor | Associate Professor Aletta E. Bester-van der Merwe |
| Location | Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa |
| Contract Duration | 2 years (2026–2027) |
| Fellowship Value | ZAR 320,000 per year |
| Application Deadline | 4 December 2025 |
| Expected Start Date | Latest by February 2026 |
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow (Elasmobranch Conservation Genomics)
Research Area
- Conservation Genomics
- Molecular Ecology
- Marine Biodiversity
- Seascape Genomics
- Fisheries and Conservation Management
Location
Department of Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences
Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
Eligibility / Qualification
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline (obtained within the last 5 years).
- Authorship (first/co-author) of at least five peer-reviewed scientific publications.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
- Strong project and time management skills.
- Proven experience with genomics data analysis, genome assembly, and/or species distribution modelling.
Additional Requirements:
- Knowledge of marine ecosystems and species.
- Experience in wet-lab molecular techniques (molecular markers, DNA extraction, sequencing).
- Proficiency in R and other relevant bioinformatics or programming tools.
- Excellent communication and scientific writing skills in English.
Job Description
The selected postdoctoral researcher will undertake both laboratory-based and computational genomic work to advance the conservation of key elasmobranch species. Major responsibilities include:
- Identifying patterns of local adaptation and assessing genomic vulnerability using a seascape genomics framework.
- Applying species distribution models (SDM) to predict habitat suitability under current and future environmental scenarios.
- Developing and testing cost-effective data-driven approaches to address data deficiencies in marine species management.
- Contributing to publications, training, and outreach related to marine biodiversity conservation.
- Collaborating with national and international teams to translate research outcomes into actionable conservation strategies.
Research Group Overview
The Elasmobranch Genetics Research Group at Stellenbosch University collaborates with local and international partners to apply genomic and ecological approaches to fisheries management and marine conservation. The group emphasizes capacity building in Africa through education, community engagement, and biodiversity monitoring.
Facilities include fully equipped molecular genetics laboratories, DNA sequencing platforms, and bioinformatics resources, providing a comprehensive environment for high-level genomic research.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents via email to aeb@sun.ac.za:
- A motivation letter (highlighting research interests, relevant experience, and fit for the position)
- A comprehensive CV
- Contact details of two academic references
📧 Email: aeb@sun.ac.za
📞 Contact: +27 (0) 832338990 (Prof. Aletta E. Bester-van der Merwe)
Last Date to Apply
4 December 2025
(Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.)
