Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Plant Photosynthesis & Crop Ecophysiology | North-West University
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Plant Photosynthesis & Crop Ecophysiology | North-West University
Institution: North-West University (NWU) – Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM)
Research Area: Plant Photosynthesis | Crop Ecophysiology | Drought & Heat Stress | Chlorophyll a Fluorescence | OJIP Analysis | Plant Physiology | Crop Stress Biology
North-West University (NWU) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in Plant Photosynthesis and Crop Ecophysiology within the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) at the Potchefstroom Campus.
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Jacques Berner and contribute to research on the photosynthetic responses of crops to environmental stresses, particularly drought and heat stress, as part of the Ancient Grains Project.
What You’ll Work On
Plant Photosynthesis
Conduct research investigating the photosynthetic responses of crops to drought, heat, and other related environmental stresses.
Chlorophyll a Fluorescence
Perform and interpret chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements to investigate plant photosynthetic performance and stress responses.
OJIP Analysis
Apply OJIP analysis and related photosynthetic techniques to understand changes in photosynthetic activity under environmental stress conditions.
Crop Ecophysiology
Investigate physiological responses of crops under different environmental conditions using laboratory, controlled-environment, and field‑based experiments.
Drought & Heat Stress
Study the effects of drought and heat stress on crops and contribute to research aimed at understanding crop resilience and adaptation.
Contribute to the Ancient Grains Project, including research involving neglected and underutilised crops and their responses to environmental stresses.
The selected candidate will be expected to:
- Conduct research on photosynthetic responses of crops to drought, heat, and related environmental stresses.
- Perform and interpret chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements and complementary physiological measurements.
- Design and conduct laboratory, controlled‑environment, and field experiments.
- Analyse physiological datasets and lead peer‑reviewed publications.
- Co‑supervise postgraduate students and contribute to research proposals.
- Contribute to collaborative research activities within the project and research group.
Applicants should have:
- A PhD in Plant Physiology, Plant Ecophysiology, Crop Physiology, or a closely related field.
- PhD completed within the past five years.
- A peer‑reviewed publication record in photosynthesis research and chlorophyll a fluorescence.
- Experience with photosynthetic gas analysis, oxygen‑evolution measurements, and/or OJIP analysis.
- Experience in drought and/or heat stress physiology, plant‑water relations, or crop stress phenotyping.
- Strong analytical, scientific writing, and data‑interpretation skills.
- Ability to work independently and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.
- Experience with neglected and underutilised crops is advantageous but not essential.
- Willingness to contribute to postgraduate supervision and collaborative research.
What You’ll Gain
- Opportunity to undertake postdoctoral research in plant photosynthesis and crop ecophysiology.
- Hands‑on experience studying drought and heat stress responses in crops.
- Experience with chlorophyll a fluorescence and OJIP analysis.
- Opportunities to conduct laboratory, controlled‑environment, and field experiments.
- Opportunity to publish research in peer‑reviewed scientific journals.
- Experience in postgraduate co‑supervision and research proposal development.
- Participation in the Ancient Grains Project.
- Research funding of R40,000 per annum to support research activities.
- Opportunity to contribute to research on crop resilience and environmental stress adaptation.
The research position focuses on understanding plant photosynthesis and crop physiological responses to environmental stresses, with particular emphasis on drought and heat.
The research activities include:
- Plant photosynthesis
- Drought stress physiology
- Heat stress physiology
- Chlorophyll a fluorescence
- OJIP analysis
- Photosynthetic gas analysis
- Oxygen‑evolution measurements
- Plant‑water relations
- Crop stress phenotyping
- Neglected and underutilised crops
- Ancient grains
- Field‑based crop research
Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Contract Period: 3 years, with annual performance review
Employment Basis: Based at Potchefstroom
Stipend: R249,000 per annum (tax‑free)
Research Funding: R40,000 per annum
Institution: North-West University (NWU)
Unit: Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM)
Location: Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
Supervisor: Prof. Jacques Berner
Appointment: ASAP
Application Deadline: 2 October 2026
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