MSc and PhD Positions in Molecular Biology, Microbial Engineering, and Environmental Biotechnology at University of South Africa University of South Africa in South Africa

The Centre for Molecular Biology and Microbial Engineering (CMBME), College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), University of South Africa, is inviting applications for MSc and PhD positions for the 2026/2027 academic year. This opportunity is ideal for motivated students passionate about molecular biology, microbial engineering, environmental biotechnology, chemical engineering, chemistry, and bioinformatics, with additional interests in gene engineering, data science, and machine learning.

Successful candidates will join research projects funded by the CMBME and the DSI/NRF Research Chair in Water and Environment. Research areas include: (1) Waste Processing and Circular Bioeconomy, (2) Bio-electrochemical Systems for Pollution Control, Clean Water and Energy Recovery, (3) Smart Water and Bioengineering, and (4) Computational & System Microbiology for Environmental Health. These projects address water quality, scarcity, and sustainability, contributing to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-Being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Climate Action.

Eligibility requires a BSc Honours degree for MSc applicants or a Master's degree for PhD applicants in relevant fields such as biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, genetics, microbiology, environmental biotechnology, bioinformatics, data science, chemical engineering, or chemistry. Interest in artificial intelligence and machine learning is advantageous. Preference is given to South African citizens and permanent residents.

Applicants should prepare a CV (maximum 10 pages), a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) detailing alignment with research areas and expectations, academic records/transcripts, a certified ID/passport copy, and contact details of two academic referees. Applications should be emailed to Dr Arinano Murei ([email protected]) and [email protected], with the subject line: APPLICATION-Scholarship-CMBME: MSc/PhD. For further information, contact Prof Ilunga Kamika ([email protected]). The application deadline is 10 January 2026, but applications may be considered beyond this date if suitable candidates have not been identified.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research in molecular biology, microbial engineering, and environmental sustainability at the University of South Africa, with funding support and a multidisciplinary approach.