The application closing date:

6 Sept 2026

Description:

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to work with Prof Nothando Ngwenya and team on the exciting next phase of the GHBN at AHRI. You will work within a supportive and collaborative research team to conduct secondary analysis of qualitative datasets, examining hypotheses and generating insights into a range of bioethical questions. Areas of focus may include clinical ethics, indigenous knowledge, public health ethics, research governance, health equity, patient and stakeholder perspectives (social participation), and the ethical implications of emerging health technologies. We are a multidisciplinary team committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and intellectual exchange to produce high-quality research with meaningful academic, policy, and societal impact.

The overall aims of the next phase of our GHBN programme are to maximise outputs from the first phase, consolidate and extend ongoing research, and establish a bioethics capacity within the Institute and beyond. Core activities to deliver these aims include analysing data and producing outputs from our ongoing GHBN programme, conducting comparative analyses with other regional and national data sets, and supporting the development of a local health bioethics community of practice, with SARETI and other GHBN partners.

In addition, the post holder will contribute to supporting the development of the bioethics community of practice and the post-holder will contribute ~ 20% of their time to the delivery of teaching and ethics support. This may include sitting on one of the research ethics committees and supervising student dissertations.

In addition, we are keen to support post holders with career development and there is an expectation that each will develop independent research, including fellowship applications, with the support of the GHBN. We will support this with personalised training and development plans.

Qualifications and experience:

PhD (awarded or pending results) in bioethics, law or philosophy or background qualification (e.g. Bachelors or Masters) in those disciplines.
Excellent knowledge of ethics, and secondary data analysis of qualitative data
Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary research teams and non-academic partners, including excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent organisational and time management skills and ability to work independently and to deadlines
Experience of preparing and publishing papers in peer reviewed journals and presenting at conferences

How to apply:

Please complete an application form by clicking on theapply button above. You are expected to attach a cover letter, 1–2-page CV with detailed academic history and proof of academic records.

The stipend for this position depends on earlier experience and follows AHRI’s official scheme and NRF grades and will be exempt from tax deductions due to the tax-exempt status for postdoctoral fellows.

Worker Type:

Contract

Project duration: 2 years

AHRI is a values-driven organisation. As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership.

Worker Type:

Contingent Worker

AHRI is a values-driven organisation. As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership.

Our values
The successful candidate will be expected to live by AHRI’s values, including collaboration, ubuntu, leadership, innovation, transformation, and excellence.

Employment equity
AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants, with a valid work permit desirable. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.

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