SOuthern aFrica research cApacity netwoRk (SOFAR) is a research capacity building programme at The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU Zim) in the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) in Zimbabwe, Zambart in Zambia, and Instituto Nacional de Saúde in Mozambique. This EDCTP-funded programme will provide postdoctoral training in global health to a total of 15 MSc, PhD and postdoc fellows across the three countries, including five in Zimbabwe. The programme is a partnership with two higher education institutions in Europe (Ludwig-Maximillians Universität Munich (LMU) and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). The mix of partners will provide a vibrant and thriving research environment within which to embed MSc, PhD and postdoctoral fellows.

We are now recruiting a postdoctoral fellow in Zimbabwe. The postdoc fellow will be employed by THRU Zim for 24 months. The aim of this postdoc is to support an excellent postdoctoral researcher to advance their career, publish papers, possibly conduct a small research project, apply for fellowships/ grants to move towards research independence, and contribute to building a positive and inclusive research culture within THRU Zim.

Job Summary

Employer: SOuthern aFrica research cApacity netwoRk (SOFAR)
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Category: Research
Closing Date: 2026-10-23

Key Responsibilities

Explain how you contributed to the generation of research ideas, implementation of research, and generation of knowledge over your career to date.
Detail any key research outputs and impact.
Explain how you have contributed to the wider research community.
These could include examples of public engagement, policy and practice impact, and knowledge exchange.
It can also include teaching, supervision and mentorship of students and colleagues.
Mention any support you have provided that has advanced junior or senior colleagues.
Enter a complete list of your research publications to-date (full citations including title and all authors).
List all research funding that you have been awarded.
Indicate the date that you would start the two-year postdoc fellowship.
Provide a summary of your plans for the two-year postdoc (Max 200 words).
Provide a summary of your plans for the 5-10 years following the two-year postdoc (Max 200 words).
List your two mentors and up to six collaborators who will support a particular aspect of your research and/ or training.
Outline each of their roles in supporting your research and training (Max 50 words per mentor/ collaborator).
Write a proposal for the research that you plan to undertake during the two-year postdoc (Max 500 words).
Outline training that you will do during the two-year postdoc (Max 300 words).
Outline what the key outputs will be of this two-year postdoc (Max 300 words).
Outline what grant/ fellowships you will apply for during the two-year postdoc.
Outline the proposal that you plan to submit for a grant/ fellowship (Max 500 words).
Detail how you will contribute to a positive and inclusive research culture within THRU Zim (Max 300 words).
Detail your budget for how you will spend the provided funds and write a budget justification for any costs which may require this.

Requirements

Applicants must be African nationals, eligible to work in Zimbabwe, and have received a PhD or submitted their thesis by the time of application.
We expect that successful applicants will have a track-record of academic excellence, with a strong upward career trajectory, and clear potential to become research leaders.

How to Apply

Apply by email: rchingono66@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to apply for the SOFAR Postdoc Fellowship?

You typically need a completed PhD in a relevant field such as public health, social sciences, or development studies. Prior research experience in Southern Africa and publications in peer-reviewed journals strengthen your application.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a SOFAR Postdoc Fellow?

You will design and implement research projects, collect and analyze data, write reports and academic papers, and collaborate with regional partners. You may also mentor junior researchers and contribute to grant applications.

How does the work culture differ for research positions in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwean research institutions value relationship-building and community engagement alongside academic rigor. Expect collaborative environments with flexibility around fieldwork schedules, though deadlines for donor reporting are strictly enforced.

What career progression opportunities exist after completing this fellowship?

Fellows often transition to lectureships at universities like UZ or MSU, senior researcher roles at think tanks, or program management positions with international NGOs. The regional network exposure also opens doors to positions across SADC countries.

What benefits typically come with postdoc research positions in Zimbabwe?

Benefits vary by funding source but usually include medical aid, modest pension contributions, and annual leave around 21 days. Some fellowships provide research allowances, conference travel funding, and housing support for international placements.

How should I prepare my application to stand out for Zimbabwe-based research roles?

Highlight any fieldwork experience in Zimbabwe or Southern Africa, demonstrate understanding of local ethical review processes, and secure strong references from supervisors who know your independent research capabilities. Tailor your proposal to address regional development priorities explicitly.