About the Program:
The Wits School of Public Health SPH, ranked among the top 100 in the world, invites applications for postdoctoral fellows. Research is nested in the SARChI Chair on Human Resources for Health and AFRHiCARE.
Focus areas: health workforce policies, first referral hospitals, health workforce development, technology integration, and climate adaptation in sub-Saharan Africa.
Fellows will work on pre-defined topics, develop an independent contribution, and collaborate with AFRHiCARE partners. Opportunities for learning new methods, cross-country comparative research, teaching and postgraduate supervision.
Postdoctoral Fellowship x2 (SARChI Chair) at University of the Witwatersrand, School of Public Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
Job ID: IRC106587Department: School of Public Health
Hosted under: South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) and AFRHiCARE (Africa's First Referral Hospitals: innovation and Care) led by Professor Laetitia Rispel
Position Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2 positions available
Duration: 1 year initially starting in 2026, renewable for a second year based on progress and funding
Stipend: Tax-free R370 000 per annum
Location: Johannesburg, ZA. Includes opportunities for travel and collaboration with partners in Kenya, Uganda, and the UK
Research Topics for Concept Note:
- Health worker mobility and retention in first referral hospitals
- Examining absenteeism in the public health sector of South Africa
- Exploring precarious work and association with patient outcomes
- Relationship between staffing levels, skill mix, and quality of care in first referral hospitals
- Leadership, interprofessional collaboration, gender, and organisational performance in first referral hospitals
- Decision space of health service managers in first referral hospitals
- Experiences of workplace violence among frontline healthcare providers- Harmonisation of data collected by health professions councils in South Africa
Eligibility:
- PhD in public health, health economics, or biostatistics obtained within the past five years. SAQA certificate required if PhD not from South Africa
- Familiarity with health policy and systems research, specifically HRH or healthcare management
- Advanced research skills, preferably quantitative and qualitative methods
- Ability to work with data sources and software such as STATA, MAXQDA or NVivo
- At least two peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and meet deadlines
- Age 40 years or younger
- Advanced English language proficiency
Advantageous:
- Experience in research project management and stakeholder liaison
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Postgraduate supervision experience
- Knowledge of African health systems
- Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
Application Process:
Submit via wits.ac.za/vacancies/
Required documents:
1. Letter of application with motivation for the postdoctoral fellowship
2. Detailed CV with academic qualifications, work experience, publications and conference presentations
3. Concept note of maximum five pages on ONE of the listed topics
4. Copies of certified academic transcripts for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
5. Names and contact details or reference letters from at least three referees, including two academics
6. Certified copy of ID documentation
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed and expected to present their concept note
Enquiries: Ms Tshepang Letsie tshepang.letsie@wits.ac.za
Closing Date: Monday, 9 August 2026