Nkabom Collaborative at University of Ghana Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026: Call for Postdoctoral Fellows

The Nkabom Collaborative at the University of Ghana is inviting applications from dynamic, highly motivated and early-career researchers for its 2026 Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme. The fellowship offers an opportunity for qualified researchers to undertake independent research while contributing to education, entrepreneurship, innovation, stakeholder engagement and capacity-building initiatives designed to transform Ghana’s agri-food and nutrition systems.

The Nkabom Collaborative at the University of Ghana (Nkabom @ UG) is focused on unlocking the enormous potential of Ghana’s agri-food system by creating educational opportunities, expanding access to training, strengthening entrepreneurial capacity and helping young people and underrepresented groups develop sustainable livelihoods.

Successful Postdoctoral Fellows will work closely with faculty members, pillar leads, students, communities and external stakeholders. They will contribute to research, mentorship, programme implementation, teaching, grant development, stakeholder engagement and the coordination of activities such as pitch competitions, boot camps, job fairs, internships and innovation programmes.

The fellowship is particularly suitable for researchers with academic backgrounds in fields such as Nutrition and Food Science, Agriculture, Public Health, Education, Entrepreneurship, Social Sciences and Development Studies.

Applications for the Nkabom Collaborative Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 must be submitted by 30 October 2026.

About the Nkabom Collaborative at the University of Ghana

The Nkabom Collaborative at the University of Ghana is an interdisciplinary initiative that seeks to contribute to the transformation of Ghana’s agri-food and nutrition systems.

The initiative recognizes that Ghana’s food and agricultural economy presents significant opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable development. These opportunities extend well beyond traditional agricultural production.

Potential areas include:

• Agricultural production
• Food distribution
• Logistics management
• Food processing
• Food manufacturing
• Food packaging
• Food supply
• Catering
• Food tourism
• Nutrition
• Food-related entrepreneurship
• Export and international trade

Nkabom @ UG seeks to connect young people with the knowledge, expertise, training, resources and entrepreneurial opportunities necessary to participate meaningfully in these sectors.

The Collaborative also places particular emphasis on groups that are often underrepresented in education, employment and entrepreneurship. These include women, persons with disabilities, refugees and internally displaced persons.

Through education, training, research, entrepreneurship and capacity development, Nkabom @ UG aims to contribute to the creation of decent jobs and sustainable livelihoods while strengthening Ghana’s agri-food ecosystem.

About the Nkabom Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Nkabom Collaborative is seeking dynamic and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellows who can undertake independent research while supporting the implementation of the Collaborative’s programmes.

Selected fellows will work in an interdisciplinary environment and collaborate with:

• Pillar leads
• University faculty
• PhD students
• MSc students
• Researchers
• Community participants
• External stakeholders
• Entrepreneurs
• Programme partners

The fellows will provide technical expertise, mentorship and research support across the Collaborative’s pillars, with particular emphasis on Education, Access and Success, and Entrepreneurship.

The role combines academic research with practical programme implementation. This means fellows will not only conduct research but will also participate in initiatives designed to improve educational access, entrepreneurship development, career opportunities and innovation.

Key Areas of the Fellowship

The Postdoctoral Fellows will contribute to several major areas of the Nkabom Collaborative’s work.

These include:

1. Education
2. Access and Success
3. Entrepreneurship
4. Research
5. Student mentorship
6. Stakeholder engagement
7. Programme coordination
8. Capacity building
9. Innovation
10. Career development
11. Grant development
12. Knowledge dissemination

The position therefore provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to gain experience across both academic research and applied development programming.

Responsibilities of the Nkabom Postdoctoral Fellows

1. Mentorship and Guidance

Postdoctoral Fellows will mentor and guide PhD and MSc students involved in research activities under the Collaborative.

The fellows will help graduate students strengthen their research capabilities and provide academic and technical guidance where necessary.

This responsibility may include:

• Supporting students with research activities
• Providing methodological guidance
• Helping students develop research ideas
• Advising students on research implementation
• Supporting academic and professional development
• Encouraging innovative approaches to research

The fellowship therefore provides an opportunity for researchers who are interested in academic mentorship and developing the next generation of researchers.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

Successful fellows will facilitate collaboration among students, faculty members and external stakeholders.

They will also serve as a link between project teams and community participants involved in Nkabom programmes.

Stakeholder engagement may involve initiatives such as the Rural Mothers Programme and innovation-related activities.

Fellows are expected to build productive relationships with diverse groups and help ensure that project activities remain responsive to the needs of participating communities.

3. Grant Writing, Research and Reporting

Research will be a major component of the fellowship.

Postdoctoral Fellows will support the development of research grants and research frameworks while contributing to fieldwork, data collection and data analysis.

They will also contribute to:

• Scholarly publications
• Research reports
• Presentations
• Project monitoring
• Evaluation activities
• Research documentation
• Dissemination of findings

The fellows will help monitor project progress and outcomes and use research evidence to support continuous improvement of the Collaborative’s programmes.

4. Teaching and Facilitation

Postdoctoral Fellows will support faculty members with teaching activities within the PhD programme.

They may also facilitate short courses and training programmes organized under the Collaborative.

This aspect of the fellowship provides researchers with an opportunity to strengthen their teaching and facilitation experience while working with students and other participants.

5. Programme Coordination

The successful candidates will participate in coordinating and overseeing various academic, entrepreneurial and career-development activities.

These activities may include:

• Pitch competitions
• Entrepreneurship boot camps
• Food innovation video projects
• Job fairs
• Job-shadowing opportunities
• Internship initiatives
• Career development programmes
• Other innovation and entrepreneurship activities

Fellows will be expected to ensure that activities are properly organized and implemented according to the project’s objectives and timelines.

6. Innovation Hub and Trainer of Trainees Programmes

Postdoctoral Fellows will help organize programming for the Nkabom Innovation Hub.

They will also contribute to Trainer of Trainees workshops, helping to strengthen the capacity of participants who may subsequently train or support others.

Responsibilities may include:

• Planning workshops
• Coordinating participants
• Developing training content
• Facilitating sessions
• Supporting knowledge transfer
• Monitoring programme activities
• Ensuring alignment with project objectives

7. Capacity Building

The fellows will develop and deliver training sessions for students and faculty members.

Training may cover areas such as:

• Applied research
• Entrepreneurship
• Professional development
• Research methodologies
• Innovation
• Knowledge sharing

Fellows will also facilitate workshops and seminars aimed at encouraging innovative thinking and developing practical solutions.

Independent Research Requirements

In addition to supporting the Collaborative’s programmes, each Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to undertake independent research.

The independent research component is intended to help fellows develop their academic careers while contributing to knowledge in their respective fields.

Fellows will be expected to:

Develop a Research Paper

Each fellow should draft at least one research paper for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Present Research Findings

Fellows will disseminate their research findings through conferences and seminars.

This provides an opportunity to engage with other researchers, academics, practitioners and stakeholders.

Develop a Research Proposal

Each fellow is expected to develop at least one research proposal for potential funding.

This component can help fellows strengthen their grant-development and research-funding skills.

Produce Policy Briefs

Fellows will also produce policy briefs and other accessible, non-technical materials that translate research findings for policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders.

This is particularly important for ensuring that academic research contributes to practical decision-making and societal impact.

Participate in Researcher Development Activities

Fellows will participate in stakeholder engagements, dissemination activities and training sessions organized for early-career researchers under the project.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants should have a strong academic and research background relevant to the work of the Nkabom Collaborative.

A minimum of a PhD or relevant postdoctoral experience is required in an appropriate field.

Relevant disciplines include:

• Nutrition and Food Science
• Agriculture
• Public Health
• Education
• Entrepreneurship
• Social Sciences
• Development Studies
• Other closely related disciplines

The opportunity is particularly suited to candidates who have recently completed their PhD.

The call specifically indicates that interested candidates should have completed a PhD or equivalent degree within the past three years.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants are expected to demonstrate several research, academic and professional competencies.

Interdisciplinary Research Experience

Candidates should have demonstrated experience working across disciplines and applying research to practical programmes or development challenges.

Research Methodology

Applicants should have strong methodological capabilities in either:

• Quantitative research; or
• Qualitative research.

Experience in research design, data collection and analysis is important for the position.

Food Systems or Health-Related Research

Previous experience in food systems research or health-related topics is preferred.

Experience accompanied by peer-reviewed publications would be an advantage.

Stakeholder Engagement

Candidates should have experience working with diverse stakeholders, including:

• Students
• Faculty
• Researchers
• Communities
• External partners
• Other relevant stakeholder groups

Education and Entrepreneurship Frameworks

Applicants should have strong knowledge of education access and success models as well as entrepreneurship development frameworks.

Project Management

Candidates should be capable of planning, implementing and overseeing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Data Analysis and Scholarly Writing

Applicants should be proficient in:

• Designing research projects
• Data analysis
• Academic writing
• Research reporting
• Scholarly publication development

Communication

Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.

The successful candidates must be able to communicate effectively with academic, professional and community audiences.

Graduate Student Mentorship

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to guide, mentor and inspire graduate students and young researchers.

Event Organization

Candidates should be skilled in organizing and executing academic, entrepreneurial and professional events.

Innovation and Problem Solving

The Collaborative is seeking individuals with an innovative and solution-oriented approach to addressing project challenges.

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to develop practical approaches to complex problems.

Commitment to Social Impact

Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing:

• Education
• Access
• Entrepreneurship
• Inclusion
• Research
• Sustainable development
• Societal impact

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the specific eligibility requirements established for the fellowship.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be less than 35 years old at the time of application.

Applicants from Underrepresented Groups

The Nkabom Collaborative particularly encourages applications from:

• Women
• Persons with disabilities
• Refugees
• Internally displaced persons

The programme’s emphasis on these groups reflects the Collaborative’s broader objective of expanding access to education, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Fellowship Duration

The Nkabom Postdoctoral Fellowship is initially offered for a period of one year.

However, the fellowship is subject to a performance review.

Performance during the first six months will be evaluated. If the fellow’s performance is considered satisfactory, the fellowship will be renewed for an additional six months.

Therefore, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate strong performance during the initial six-month period.

Compensation and Research Support

Selected Postdoctoral Fellows will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the fellowship.

In addition to the monthly stipend, fellows will receive seed funding for generating new research.

The combination of a monthly stipend and research seed funding provides fellows with support to participate in the Collaborative’s activities while also developing their independent research agenda.

Application Documents Required

Applicants are required to prepare several documents before submitting their applications.

All required documents must ultimately be combined into one PDF file for online submission.

1. Cover Letter

Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining their interest in the fellowship and suitability for the position.

The letter should clearly demonstrate how the applicant’s academic background, research experience and professional interests align with the objectives of the Nkabom Collaborative.

2. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide an up-to-date CV highlighting their:

• Academic qualifications
• Research experience
• Publications
• Professional experience
• Teaching experience
• Relevant skills
• Grants and research projects
• Relevant achievements

3. Academic Qualifications and Certificates

Applicants must provide copies of relevant qualifications, including:

• Academic degrees
• Academic transcripts
• Professional certificates

4. Personal Statement

Applicants must prepare a personal statement describing:

• Their motivation for applying
• Their research interests
• The research they intend to pursue during the fellowship
• How the proposed research fits into their long-term research trajectory

Applicants should use this document to demonstrate why they are a strong fit for the fellowship.

5. Writing Sample

A writing sample demonstrating the applicant’s current or recently completed research project is required.

The writing sample should align with the long-term research trajectory described in the personal statement.

Acceptable examples may include:

• An excerpt from a doctoral dissertation
• A publishable research article
• A book manuscript
• A recent peer-reviewed journal article
• An edited-volume contribution
• An excerpt from a published monograph

Applicants should select a writing sample that best demonstrates their research capabilities and academic potential.

6. Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Applicants must submit a 2–3 page, single-spaced teaching philosophy statement.

The statement should discuss:

• Previous teaching experience
• Pedagogical competencies
• Teaching approaches
• Mentoring experience
• Commitment to equitable learning opportunities
• Plans for supporting underrepresented students

Applicants should provide evidence of their commitment to creating equitable opportunities for learning and mentorship, particularly for:

• Women
• Persons with disabilities
• Refugees
• Internally displaced persons

7. References

Applicants must provide the names and contact information of three referees.

One reference letter is required from each named referee.

Applicants should therefore contact their referees early enough to ensure that the required reference letters are available for the application.

8. Online Application

Applications must be submitted online.

Applicants are required to combine all application documents into a single PDF and upload the completed document through the online application system.

Information Required on the Online Application Form

The application portal requires applicants to provide personal and eligibility information.

Part I: Sociodemographic Information

Applicants will be asked to provide:

1. Full name
2. Telephone number
3. Email address
4. Age
5. Date of birth
6. Sex
7. Nationality

Part II: Eligibility Information

Applicants will also be asked whether they:

• Have a disability
• Are a refugee
• Have been internally displaced in Ghana

For the internally displaced person question, the application defines an IDP as someone who has been forced to flee their home because of conflict, violence, human rights violations or natural disasters but has not crossed an internationally recognized border.

Part III: Application Documents

Applicants must upload their complete application documents as one PDF file.

Applicants should ensure that the PDF contains all required materials before submitting the application.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is designed primarily for early-career researchers and recent PhD graduates who want to combine academic research with practical programme implementation.

It may be particularly suitable for candidates who want to develop careers in:

• Academic research
• Food systems research
• Agriculture
• Nutrition
• Public health
• Education
• Entrepreneurship
• Development studies
• Social sciences
• Research and development
• Higher education
• Policy research
• Programme implementation

Candidates who have experience with interdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement, graduate mentorship, teaching, data analysis and programme coordination may be particularly well positioned for the opportunity.

Why Apply for the Nkabom Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The Nkabom Postdoctoral Fellowship offers more than an opportunity to conduct independent research.

Successful fellows will gain practical experience working at the intersection of research, education, entrepreneurship, innovation and community development.

Key opportunities include:

• Conducting independent research
• Developing research proposals
• Preparing scholarly publications
• Presenting research at conferences and seminars
• Receiving research seed funding
• Mentoring graduate students
• Supporting PhD and MSc researchers
• Participating in teaching
• Facilitating short courses
• Working with diverse stakeholders
• Supporting entrepreneurship initiatives
• Coordinating pitch competitions and boot camps
• Participating in job fairs and career-development initiatives
• Supporting innovation programmes
• Developing training programmes
• Contributing to policy-oriented research
• Building interdisciplinary professional networks

Important Things Applicants Should Note

Applicants should carefully review their materials before submitting the application.

In particular, candidates should ensure that:

1. They meet the age requirement of being under 35 years at the time of application.
2. Their PhD or equivalent qualification falls within the relevant disciplines.
3. Their PhD was completed within the past three years, where applicable.
4. Their CV clearly demonstrates their research and professional experience.
5. Their personal statement is aligned with their proposed research trajectory.
6. Their writing sample demonstrates strong research ability.
7. Their teaching philosophy addresses equitable learning and mentoring.
8. They have three suitable referees.
9. Reference letters are available from all three referees.
10. All application documents are combined into one PDF.
11. The online application is completed accurately.
12. The application is submitted before the deadline.

Deadline for Application

The deadline to apply for the Nkabom Collaborative Postdoctoral Fellowship is:

30 October 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their application materials well before the deadline, particularly because the application requires multiple documents and three reference letters.

Application Link

Interested applicants should submit their application through the official online application portal.

Online Application:  application portal

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are combined into a single PDF before uploading.

Official Website

For more information about the Nkabom Collaborative at the University of Ghana, visit:

Nkabom @ UG Official Website: https://nkabom.ug.edu.gh/

The official website provides additional information about the Nkabom Collaborative, its activities, programmes and objectives.

More global opportunities visit OFY Website HERE

Conclusion

The Nkabom Collaborative at the University of Ghana Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 presents an opportunity for talented early-career researchers to combine independent academic research with practical work in education, entrepreneurship, food systems, innovation and community development.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to researchers in Nutrition and Food Science, Agriculture, Public Health, Education, Entrepreneurship, Social Sciences and Development Studies who are interested in applying their research expertise to real-world challenges.

Beyond the opportunity to conduct independent research, fellows will have the chance to mentor graduate students, support teaching, develop research proposals, contribute to scholarly publications, engage stakeholders, facilitate training programmes and coordinate entrepreneurship and career-development initiatives.

With a one-year fellowship period, monthly stipend and seed funding for new research, the programme can provide valuable academic and professional development for qualified researchers seeking to expand their research portfolio and contribute to transformative initiatives in Ghana’s agri-food and nutrition systems.

Eligible researchers who meet the age, academic and experience requirements should prepare their application carefully and submit all required documents before the 30 October 2026 deadline.