The African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is now accepting applications for two postdoctoral fellowship positions under the prestigious Cluster of Research Excellence in Migration and Health (CoRE-MH). These fellowships are offered in partnership with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities.
About the CoRE-MH Fellowship
CoRE-MH is a collaborative research initiative between the ACMS at Wits University and the Global Health and Migration Unit (GHM) at Uppsala University in Sweden. The GHM hosts the WHO Collaborating Centre (WHOCC) on Migration and Health Data.
The fellowships aim to develop innovative, context-specific solutions to improve health outcomes for migrants, particularly across the African Union–European Union (AU–EU) migration corridor. While applicants from across Africa are welcome, priority will be given to those focusing on West, North, Central, and East Africa.
Selected fellows will be based at ACMS, with the opportunity to spend up to two months over the two-year period at Uppsala University in Sweden.
Key Responsibilities
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Conduct original research in migration and health in Africa
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Publish at least two academic articles per year (joint authorship allowed)
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Participate in and support CoRE-MH activities including policy forums and research seminars
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Lead the development of the CoRE-MH Postgraduate and Early Career Researcher Network
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Support joint PhD programmes and the CoRE-Wits Research Network on Migration & Health
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Assist in fundraising efforts and grant applications
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Teach and co-supervise postgraduate students, including co-leading a migration and health module at Wits
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Contribute to the broader mission and vision of ACMS
Eligibility Criteria
Essential:
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PhD in Public Health, Health Sociology, Migration Studies, or a related field (completed within the last 5 years)
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Fluent in English and one relevant local African language
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Strong qualitative research skills (quantitative skills a plus)
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Familiarity with African healthcare systems and migration policy
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Experience in independent and collaborative research
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Proven publication record and experience presenting research
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Willingness to travel for research and collaboration
Desirable:
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Fluency in Arabic, Portuguese, or French
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Prior experience in international health systems research
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Two or more years of post-PhD research experience
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Fundraising or grant-writing success
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Quantitative research capabilities
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Experience teaching and supervising postgraduate students
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Experience working in migration and health outside Africa
Application Instructions
Submit a single PDF application to: phindile.ngobese@wits.ac.za
Deadline: 30 June 2025
Your application must include:
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Cover Letter – Detail your experience, motivation, and alignment with CoRE-MH objectives
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CV – Include your specific contributions to co-authored publications and contact details of two referees
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Proof of PhD Award – Copy of degree certificate or official award letter
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Research Concept Note (Max 1500 words) – Outline your proposed research and its relevance to CoRE-MH
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Two Academic Writing Samples – First-authored or single-authored, not thesis chapters
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for references and next steps.
Deadline: 30 June 2025
Start Date: 1 August 2025 (negotiable)
Duration: 1 year with the possibility of a second year (based on performance)
Remuneration: ZAR 395,000 per year + medical aid and ZAR 10,000 annual research funding
Why Apply?
This is an exceptional opportunity to work at the forefront of health and migration research in Africa. The fellowship offers:
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Exposure to international research networks
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Supervision by leading scholars including Prof. Jo Vearey and Dr. Soorej Jose Puthoopparambil
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The chance to influence policy and contribute to global discussions on migration and health
For more information, contact: phindile.ngobese@wits.ac.za
For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.
