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The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship at its Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (DaSAIRI) in Durban. This is a research fellowship for a recently qualified doctoral graduate who wants to build a publication record in data science and artificial intelligence while working inside a new, dedicated research institute. If your doctorate and your research interests sit in data, AI and quantitative methods, this is a strong fit.
About the company and the work
The employer is the Durban University of Technology, and the fellowship sits in DaSAIRI, a newly established research institute mandated to advance data and knowledge intelligence, data science and analytics, smart cities and the internet of things, natural-language processing, and trustworthy and responsible artificial intelligence, including AI for sustainable development and public value. The fellow will be based primarily at DUT in Durban for the duration of the fellowship, and the advert is open to both internal and external applicants. International applicants are welcome, provided valid work authorisation for South Africa is in place before commencement.
Role details and duties
The duties listed in the original advert are:
- Conduct active and innovative research aligned with the research priorities of the Institute.
- Produce a minimum of two research units per annum in DHET-accredited journals.
- Contribute to postgraduate research supervision through an active co-supervisory role, under guidance.
- Participate actively in the Institute’s research activities, including seminars, webinars and research events.
- Teach modules in relevant undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
- Initiate local, national and international networks of researchers.
- Submit quarterly progress reports to the Project Leader, detailing research activities, outputs and milestones.
The fellowship is a contract position based in Durban. The advert states a value of R300,000 per annum (tax-exempt stipend), subject to confirmation of funding, and a closing date of 20 November 2026. The advert reference is 208524, and the contact person is Prof. NP Zungu. Note: the advert lists the duration of tenure as 12 months, renewable, while a separate status line describes a 2-year contract renewable every year, so applicants should confirm the exact contract length in the original advert.
Requirements
The original advert states the following eligibility criteria:
- Must hold a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent), awarded within the last five years, in a data science or artificial intelligence related field.
- Must not be permanently employed at any university or research institution.
- Must not have held a DUT postdoctoral fellowship previously.
- Proficiency in advanced quantitative methods, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence algorithms.
- Published at least one article or submitted one for review.
- Must demonstrate a record of, or clear potential for, peer-reviewed publication.
- Must be available to be based primarily at DUT, Durban for the duration of the fellowship.
- International applicants are welcome; valid work authorisation for South Africa is required before commencement.
- Must be 45 years of age or younger at the time of application.
The successful applicant will be required to publish a minimum of 2 research output units per annum in DHET, ISI or IBSS accredited outlets or journals, abide by DUT’s policies, rules and procedures for post-doctoral fellows as well as codes of conduct, and carry out other duties consistent with a post-doctoral fellowship.
Where to find and apply safely
The original vacancy is listed on Careers24, and the Apply button on this page links directly to that original advert. Applications are received only via the DUT Careers Portal, and the advert lists the documents to include: a full curriculum vitae, official certified academic transcripts of all degrees with certified copies of the qualifications, a certified copy of the identity document details page or passport details page, a visa (successful international researchers only), a medical certificate (successful international researchers only), and two reference letters, one of which must be from the doctoral supervisor. Always apply through the original listing, and be cautious of anyone who asks you for money in exchange for a job, an interview or a placement. A genuine employer will never charge you a fee to apply.
Practical tips
Before you apply, make sure your CV and publication list show your doctorate date, your quantitative and AI methods, and at least one published or submitted article, since those are the key eligibility screens. Line up your two reference letters early, including one from your doctoral supervisor, and get your transcripts and identity documents certified in advance so the portal submission is complete.
How the process works
Click the Apply button on this page to open the original Careers24 advert and follow the application instructions there, submitting through the DUT Careers Portal with all the documents listed above. Note that the University reserves the right not to appoint.
Important information
This post is for information only. We are not the employer and we do not handle applications, shortlisting or hiring decisions. All details above come from the original advert, so please confirm the requirements, stipend and closing date in the original advert before you apply. This is a different fellowship from the DUT sustainable energy postdoctoral fellowship also advertised in Durban, so check that you are applying for the institute and research area you intend.
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