Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities

The French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI) and the Africa Space Innovation Centre (ASIC) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology invite applications for a 12-month, full-time postdoctoral fellowship commencing in 2026.

The successful candidate will contribute to research and development in software engineering for space systems and services. The research may include nanosatellite systems, ground stations, space-weather services and related data systems.

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree obtained within the past five years in software engineering, computer science, engineering or a closely related field. Relevant research and software-development expertise is required.

The fellowship:

• is based at CPUT’s Bellville Campus;
• carries a stipend of R250,000 for the 12-month period; and
• will commence as soon as possible following institutional approval.

Applications must be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., using the subject line Postdoctoral Fellowship Application – F’SATI-ASIC.

Closing date: Thursday, 20 August 2026

Download the full advertisement below for details of the research focus, eligibility criteria and application requirements.

The Centre for Sport Business and Technology Research at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral fellowship commencing in 2026 or 2027.

The successful candidate will investigate the perceptual and biomechanical mechanisms underpinning visual anticipation in cricket. The research will use video analysis and immersive digital technologies to develop tools for improving training and batting performance.

Fellowship details

• Duration: Twelve months, subject to funding availability and institutional approval
• Stipend: R250 000, tax-free
• Location: Newlands Satellite Campus, Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town
• Starting date: As soon as possible in 2026 or 2027.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• have obtained a doctoral degree within the past five years;
• have relevant expertise in sport and exercise science, biomechanics, motor learning, performance analysis, artificial intelligence or a closely related field; and
• be available to undertake the fellowship on a full-time basis without concurrent paid full-time employment.

This fellowship does not constitute employment at CPUT.

Research focus

Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates with expertise in:

• sport biomechanics and perceptual-cognitive skill acquisition;
• visual anticipation, motor control and movement analysis;
• computer vision, machine learning and kinematic modelling; or
• virtual or augmented reality and AI-enabled sport training systems.

The fellow will be expected to conduct research, develop and evaluate digital training tools, participate in research-group activities and contribute to postgraduate research where appropriate. The fellow must produce peer-reviewed publications contributing at least two DHET-accredited research output units to CPUT during the fellowship.

How to apply

Applicants must submit:

• a motivation letter outlining their suitability and research aspirations;
• a current curriculum vitae;
• a doctoral degree certificate or formal proof of completion;
• the contact details of two academic referees;
• a two-page summary of their research interests; and
• a sample of academic writing.

Applications must be emailed to Prof Sharhidd Taliep at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., using the subject line:

Postdoctoral Fellowship Application – Centre for Sport Business and Technology Research

Closing date: Thursday, 20 August 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview within two weeks after the closing date. CPUT reserves the right not to make an appointment.

The Transport, Logistics, Ports and Urban Studies Group at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology invites applications for a 12-month, full-time postdoctoral fellowship commencing in 2026.

The fellowship will focus on the relationship between industrial and logistics nodes, urban form and truck emissions in South Africa. The research will involve spatial analysis and modelling to support more sustainable transport and urban development.

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in transport engineering or a closely related field, obtained within the past five years, with expertise in spatial analysis, modelling and geographic information systems.

The fellowship:

• is based at CPUT’s District Six Campus;
• carries a stipend of R250,000 for the 12-month period; and
• will commence as soon as possible following institutional approval.

Applications must be submitted to Prof Masilonyane Mokhele at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., using the subject line Postdoctoral Fellowship Application – Transport, Logistics, Ports and Urban Studies.

Closing date: 14 August 2026

Download the full advertisement below for details of the research focus, eligibility criteria and application requirements.

The Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology invites applications for a 12-month, full-time postdoctoral fellowship commencing in 2026.

The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary research project investigating the effect of microplastics on microbial enzymatic processes in marine environments and supporting the discovery of plastic-degrading enzymes.

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or a closely related field, obtained within the past five years. Demonstrated expertise in enzymology and metabarcoding or metagenomics is required.

The fellowship:

• is based at CPUT’s Bellville Campus;
• carries a stipend of R250,000 for the 12-month period; and
• will commence as soon as possible following institutional approval.

Applications must be submitted to Prof Marilize Le Roes-Hill at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., using the subject line Postdoctoral Fellowship Application – The Coastal Plastisphere.

Closing date: 14 August 2026

Download the full advertisement below for details of the research focus, eligibility criteria and application requirements.

For a list of under- and postgraduate bursary opportunities, please click here.

For all bursary-related queries, contact Mr Cyrano Arries at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..