Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Sustainable Marine Aquaculture
The Centre for Sustainable Oceans (CSO) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship.
About the project
The project is a collaboration between South Africa and Norway. For South Africa, the project focuses on marine aquaculture in Saldanha Bay and the team comprises CPUT (PI), DFFE, UWC and Bio Solutiones Technicas (BST). The project aims to develop multidisciplinary ecosystem-based management in marine aquaculture and fisheries in South Africa and Norway
The successful applicant will be based at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa. The CSO hosts postgraduates and postdocs with diverse backgrounds and research projects within the realm of Ocean Health and Sustainability. The successful applicant will be working with all South African partners and play a key role in the analysis and interpretation of multi-sectoral data collected from the marine aquaculture sector, industry and stakeholders.
This fellowship offers an opportunity to work within an international, multidisciplinary research consortium addressing ecosystem-based marine aquaculture management.
Responsibilities:
• Manage research projects associated with the fellowship
• Conduct project-relevant field- and lab work
• Co-supervise postgraduate students, under the guidance of the principal supervisor
• Contribute to project and report writing
• Contribute to manuscript writing and publication
Minimum requirements:
• PhD degree in a relevant field (e.g., Aquaculture, Marine Science, Ocean Sustainability, Environmental Sciences (marine environment) etc.). The PhD should ideally have been awarded within five years prior to awarding the Fellowship, as per the CPUT Postdoctoral Fellowship Policy at the time of appointment
• Experience in marine science and/or sustainability research, including relevant techniques, equipment, principles and policies
• Experience with large-scale data management and analysis
• Experience in utilising relevant programs for data analysis, statistical analyses (e.g., R, Python, SPSS) and visualisation of data (QGIS, ArcGIS), and MS Office suite
Beneficial:
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and independently
• Excellent communication (English) and leadership skills
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Willingness to learn new skills and take part in training programs
• Familiarity with linking ocean science and aquaculture data to policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Ocean Accounting)
Please note: This is a fellowship appointment (contract-based) and does not constitute permanent employment. Fellows are not permitted to hold any other paid full-time employment positions during this fellowship. This postdoctoral fellowship has an annual tax-free stipend of R300 000 per annum, with the possibility of renewal, subject to performance, funding availability, institutional policy and the maximum allowable postdoctoral appointment period.
Application process:
To apply, please submit the following documents to Mrs P Williams (email: cso@cput.ac.za):
• Cover letter and personal statement: Indicating why you are interested in the position, why you should be considered and how your skills and qualifications align with the requirements.
• Reference letters: A minimum of two reference letters (maximum three) from previous supervisors or employers with their full contact details.
• A detailed Curriculum vitae
• Certified copy of your academic transcript
• Certified copy of your Doctoral degree certificate
• Certified copies of your identity document for South African applicants (if you are not a South African citizen, you must provide a certified copy of your valid passport).
Closing date for application submission: 21 April 2026, 16h00