Researcher: Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa (EEIA) (Job ID: 6621)

Job Title: Researcher: Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa (EEIA) (Job ID: 6621)

Organizational Unit: University of the Free State -> Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Office of the Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences -> Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa (EEIA)

Contract Type: Permanent

Occupational Level: Junior Management

Location: Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date: 23/10/2026

Duties And Responsibilities

• Responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and expansion of the analytical biocomplexity pipeline pertaining to Wastewater Treatment service algae C. vulgaris and C. protothecoides as part of the microalgae bioprocessing and biocomplexity testbed (MBBT).
• Explore innovative research strategies to optimise the Bioreceptivity of Concrete 3DP Biofilters as part of bioremediation strategies.
• Assist in applying for funding as part of the Ecological Engineering Institute of Africa (EEIA).
• Act as technical advisor on post graduate projects in Ecological Engineering.
• Teach the module of Data-driven Ecological Engineering as part of PGDip Ecological Engineering.
• Maintain a high publication output rate and regularly present at conferences.

Inherent Job Requirements

• A PhD in Microbiology and Biotechnology or related field on NQF Level 10 (for a permanent appointment)

or

• Master’s degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology or related field on NQF level 9 (contract appointment: five (5) years during which a doctoral degree in Microbiology and Biotechnology or related field on NQF Level 10 MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent appointment)
• Demonstrated experience in industrial application of Wastewater Treatment service algae C. vulgaris and C. protothecoides.
• Experience in microbial and viral population analysis, DNA and RNA extraction and sequencing, microbiome library construction, database analysis and scanning electron microscopy.

Recommendations

• Proven experience in data quality control, data monitoring, project specific research and laboratory maintenance.
• MSc in Medicine in the field of Vaccinology (attach a copy).

Competencies

• Results Orientated:
• The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking:
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• Business Acumen:
• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption Of Duties: 1 January 2027

Closing Date: 23 October 2026

Salary

The salary is available on request.

Fringe Benefits

• (Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 2979 for assistance.

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-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

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.

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