Target group and place of tenure

• Candidates with a doctoral degree in a discipline broadly linked to food systems or data sciences are interested in how these fields intersect.
• Candidates who are motivated and able to conduct advanced academic research, to deepen their expertise, develop new skills, and contribute to knowledge generation and transfer according to objectives of the UKUDLA Centre of excellence.
• Candidates who are not currently involved in another fellowship and are prepared to undertake the fellowship in a full-time role.
• For the duration of the scholarship, successful candidates will be based at one of the network's institutions in South-Africa or Malawi.

Application requirements

• Graduates who have successfully completed a doctoral degree;
• Clearly show motivation and strong commitment through a written statement;
• Have completed their last university degree not more than 6 years ago at the time of application;
• Candidates must be able to supply at least one academic reference.

Submission of application

As a first step, all applicants must submit a completed application form, which can be completed here. (University Pretoria)

The following attachments must be uploaded as part of the application:

• A copy of your National Identification Card or, if not applicable, a copy of your passport.
• A completed project proposal form (available to download here) (University Pretoria) or at the UKUDLA website at Hohenheim University https://ukudla.uni-hohenheim.de/en
• At least one recent academic recommendation letter. Preferably from your PhD or previous Fellowship supervisor.
• Letter of Support from the partner institution in South Africa or Malawi.
• Certified copies of all previous university degree certificates.
• Short CV (2 pages maximum), including a list of (selected) publications.

The application form also requires a motivational statement (250 words each on your research interest, how the fellowship will impact your career path, what impact it will have on your community or environment and a description of your academic and career journey).

Selection procedure

Applications will go through an administrative review to ensure all qualifying criteria are met. If an application meets the specified criteria and the research topic is relevant to the theme of sustainable, resilient food systems and data science, it will be sent for review by the selection committee. Applications will be peer-reviewed by two selection committee members using a rating rubric. The research proposal will be weighted according to its importance. A shortlist will be produced, and selected candidates will be invited to participate in an online interview.

The successful candidates will be informed before the end of June 2025, to commence their scholarship earliest in July 2025.

Payment of fellowship funds

The fellowship stipend will be paid directly to the fellowship holder’s account. Further details will be communicated after admission to the fellowship programme in the Letter of Award and Fellowship Agreement.

Expectations of UKDULA postdoctoral fellows

UKUDLA scholarship holders are expected to actively engage in their fellowship, as demonstrated by submitting a well-developed research project proposal and regular progress reports detailing their research. They are also expected to contribute to the academic community by publishing their research findings in peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, scholarship holders should actively participate in science communication, disseminating their research to broader audiences.

Postdoc scholars will conduct advanced academic research, deepen their expertise, develop new skills, and contribute to knowledge generation and transfer. The postdocs will work independently and lead a thematic research area at the Centre based at one of the core institutions. They are expected to contribute to supervising PhD and MSc students while collaborating with German postdocs and being mentored by senior academics at the Centre. During their fellowship, they will design, and conduct research using theoretical or practical approaches, analyse data, and contribute to the Centre's data science hub.

Postdocs will also be expected to organise and contribute to thematic workshops to support the concept of transfer cycles and present results at conferences and seminars. They will also contribute to developing e-learning teaching modules based on their specific expertise.

Deadline & Contact & Email address for queries

Deadline

The deadline for applications is 01 June 2025.

Contact & Email address for queries

Application via the link available here.

For further information see also UKUDLA website at University of Hohenheim: https://ukudla.uni-hohenheim.de/en

Any questions or queries can be directed by e-mail to ukudla@uni-hohenheim.de