Call for postdoctoral fellowship applications 2025
The African German Centre of Excellence for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA) invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships in the area of sustainable, resilient food systems and data science. Fellowships will be awarded for a period of 24 months. The fellowship is financed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
About UKUDLA
UKUDLA’s mission is to empower a new generation of scientists through advanced training in agri-food systems and applied data science. The programme supports academic development, encourages mentorship, and fosters collaboration across African and German institutions.
The fellowship programme contributes to:
• Increasing research capacity in food systems and data science within Sub-Saharan Africa
• Strengthening regional and institutional academic networks
• Promoting research that is responsive to local challenges and aligned with global standards
• Enhancing knowledge exchange between African and German partners
Research Focus Areas
Fellows will conduct independent research within the themes of:
• Sustainable and resilient food systems
• Agricultural and food data science
• Interdisciplinary areas that connect these two fields
Research proposals should demonstrate relevance, innovation, and potential for impact.
Eligibility Criteria
This opportunity is open to African nationals or permanent residents who:
• Hold a PhD (awarded within the past six years) in a field relevant to food systems or data science
• Are not currently engaged in another postdoctoral fellowship
• Can demonstrate leadership potential and/or a commitment to community engagement
• Possess English language proficiency (TOEFL 79/80, IELTS 6, or proof of English as a language of instruction)
Participating Institutions
Selected fellows will be based full-time at one of the following UKUDLA partner universities:
• University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
• University of Mpumalanga (South Africa)
• University of Pretoria (South Africa)
• Lilongwe University of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (Malawi)
Fellowship Benefits
• Stipend: €1670/month for 24 months
• Training: Access to UKUDLA’s modules, workshops, and short courses
• Exchange Opportunity: Optional 3–6 month academic visit to a German partner institution
• Conference Support: Travel grant to present research at Tropentag (abstract submission required)
• Research Support: Funding for equipment, materials, travel, etc.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced academics and integration into regional research communities
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
• Completed application form [link]
• Project proposal form [download link]
• National ID or passport
• Two academic recommendation letters (one from your PhD/fellowship supervisor)
• Certified degrees and transcripts
• Short CV (max. 2 pages), including selected publications
• Proof of English proficiency
• Motivational statement (250 words each on your research interest, career impact, community impact, and academic journey)
Expectations from Fellows
• Conduct original and impactful research
• Contribute to teaching and mentorship of MSc and PhD students
• Participate in conferences, workshops, and academic writing
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Engage in UKUDLA’s academic and outreach activities
How to Apply
Submit your application online via the University of Pretoria application portal
For queries or questions, contact arua-sfs@up.ac.za
Deadline: 1 June 2025