The African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI) within the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences has 2 x doctoral scholarship positions available in the areas of (1) crop breeding with dedicated research on sorghum (2) agronomy research focusing on sugar beet agronomic management. The sorghum breeder will develop novel sweet sorghum varieties for enhanced biomass and sugar yields. The agronomist will conduct agronomic trials to evaluate sugar beet cultivars and develop optimized agronomic practices for sugar beet in southern Africa.

Minimum Requirements:

• For the PhD in Crop Breeding – an MSc in Plant Breeding.
• For the PhD in Agronomy – an MSc in Agronomy or equivalent subjects (such as Crop Science, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, or Horticultural Science).
• Experience with field trials as used in plant breeding or crop science.
• A valid driver’s license for a light vehicle, manual shift.

Enquiries and details regarding this post may be directed via email to:

Professor Laing: Laing@ukzn.ac.za, or

Prof. Shimelis: shiimelish@ukzn.ac.za

The closing date for receipt of applications is 30th May 2025.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

• a covering letter highlighting their experience in meeting each of the minimum requirements as listed above.
• a detailed CV, including the list of publications
• contact details for two referees
• a certified copy of the applicant’s Masters degree certificate or award letter
• a certified copy of the applicant’s study permit / ID / permanent residency document. Foreigners must be in possession of relevant permits.

Applications must be emailed to the centre’s administration officer, email: MncwabeN2@ukzn.ac.za, before the closing date. The subject line must clearly indicate “ACCI Doctoral Positions 2025 x 2”.

Successful individuals will be contacted on or before 7^th June 2025. The center reserves the right not to make an appointment to this advert. Should you not receive a reply or update by 7^th June 2025, kindly consider that your application has not been successful.

Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process. We refer you to the University’s relevant Section 18 notice at http://vacancies.ukzn.ac.za/Libraries/General_Documents/Section_18_Notice_-_Employees_and_Potential_Employees.sflb.ashx