There are always opportunities for enthusiastic and motivated postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows and many opportunities exist to obtain stipends and fellowships. Contact Sophie von der Heyden at svdh(at)sun.ac.za for more details.
Note that the major funding opportunities usually have deadlines towards early in the year (by the end of May - July), so be sure to make contact well before. ------------
DEADLINE 15th SEPTEMBER 2025: PhD position in aquatic eDNA metabarcoding
About the project A PhD position is available in the lab of Prof. Sophie von der Heyden lab at Stellenbosch University, one of Africa’s leading marine research groups specializing in the use of molecular tools to understand patterns and processes driving southern Africa’s rich marine biodiversity. This PhD project will use a combination of eDNA metabarcoding across the Tree of Life and Species Distribution Models to examine the connectivity of Marine Protected Areas along coastal South Africa and infer potential distribution changes under future climate change scenarios.
About the lab We are a dynamic and diverse lab, with a strong emphasis on research excellence as well as student training and support. Our work spans evolutionary and molecular ecology, ecological genomics, marine conservation and restoration and the impact of climate and anthropogenic pressures on marine systems. To do this, we utilise a wide range of tools including genomics and environmental DNA metabarcoding, with our overarching goal of promoting the integration of molecular tools into conservation and sustainable utilization of southern African marine species and resources.
About You Applicants for the positions will hard-working, enthusiastic and independently motivated students and able to fit into a fun and diverse lab. You will need an average of at least 65% for your MSc degree, be physically fit for fieldwork and hold a valid driver’s license. Ideally you would have some experience in molecular methodologies (even basic applications such as DNA extractions, PCR and sequencing are a bonus), have had some exposure to bioinformatics and have a background in ecological genomics / marine ecology and a good understanding of southern African marine biodiversity. We provide training in all analytical methodology and this is a great opportunity for students who wish to gain more exposure in genomics, bioinformatics and their application to conservation.
About Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch University is set in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch, close to Cape Town and the southern tip of Africa. The university ranks in the top 300 universities globally and one of the top-ranked in the southern Hemisphere, including for Biological Sciences and offers strong support for postgraduate students for training and learning opportunities. Stellenbosch is a historical, safe and vibrant community surrounded by magnificent mountains, close to the sea. The vdH lab is housed in the Department of Botany and Zoology at the University of Stellenbosch and is affiliated with the School of Climate Studies. Find out more at www.sun.ac.za.
Note that you will need to apply independently to the current Stellenbosch University Postgraduate funding call (opening Sept/October 2025), or other funding opportunities you wish to pursue. Full support for the application process will be provided.
Direct all enquiries to Prof Sophie von der Heyden, [email protected]. For applications to be considered, include an academic transcript, CV and contact details for two academic referees.Closingdate for applications is the 15th September 2026. Start date early 2026.
Queries and applications: Please direct all enquiries to Prof. Sophie von der Heyden ([email protected]). In order to apply, please submit (1) a detailed CV with all relevant experience including publications and conference attendance, (2) three contactable referees, (3) a letter of motivation, detailing research experience and why you would be a good fit for the group.
We are committed to supporting candidates based on excellence as well as equity.