Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Africa Health Research Institute; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research institute in Durban is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to contribute to HIV cure research. Responsibilities include leading studies on CD8 T cell interactions and characterizing immune responses. Candidates must have a recent PhD in a relevant field and strong data analysis skills. This full-time position offers a collaborative and interdisciplinary work environment, competitive stipend, and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Competitive tax-exempt stipend

Opportunities for career development

Access to cutting-edge research platforms

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last six years, or MD with relevant experience.
• Strong background in T cell biology and HIV immunology.
• Hands-on experience with high-dimensional data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead studies investigating HIV-specific CD8 T cell interactions.
• Define phenotypic and functional characteristics of T cells.
• Elucidate immune-regulatory mechanisms in lymphoid tissues.

Skills

T cell biology

HIV immunology

High-dimensional data analysis

Flow cytometry

Communication skills

Education

PhD in immunology, virology or related field

Tools

FlowJo

R

Python

Spatial transcriptomics

Multiplex imaging technologies

Job description

Description :

The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) seeks to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow (PDRF) to join our cure team focused on understanding how HIV-specific CD8 T cells interact with the persistent viral reservoir in human lymphoid tissues. This project investigates why virus-specific immune responses fail to eliminate HIV from immune-privileged sites such as lymph node B cell follicles and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

Overview of Duties :

Using cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics and single-cell technologies the fellow will lead studies to :

Define the phenotypic and functional characteristics of tissue-resident antigen-specific CD8 T cells; and Elucidate immune-regulatory mechanisms within lymphoid tissues that contribute to HIV persistence during suppressive antiretroviral therapy.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to translational HIV cure research in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.

Minimum Qualification

• PhD in immunology virology or related field (completed within the last six years). MD with relevant basic science experience may be considered.

Minimum Experience

Strong background in T cell biology HIV immunology or chronic viral infections.

Hands-on experience with spatial transcriptomics multiplex imaging (e.g. CODEX MIBI) or single-cell RNA-seq.

Flow cytometry experience.

Skilled in high-dimensional data analysis (e.g. FlowJo R Python).

Proven publication record and excellent communication skills.

We offer :

Access to cutting-edge platforms : GeoMX DSPLunaphore COMET 40-plex10x Genomics and high-parameter flow cytometry.

A collaborative interdisciplinary team environment and global partnerships.

Competitive tax-exempt stipend.

Opportunities for career development conference attendance and international collaboration.

How to apply :

Please complete an application form by clicking on the apply link above. You are expected to attach :

A cover letter outlining your fit and research interests

12-page CV with publication list

Three academic references

Academic records

Should you have any enquiries about the position please email with the subject line : Spatial and functional profiling of HIV-specific T cells in lymphoid reservoirs for cure-relevant insights

Learn more about the Ndhlovu lab here.

Worker Type : Contingent Worker

The application closing date :

11 Sept 2025

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.

Key Skills

Virology,Bioinformatics,Genetics,R,Biochemistry,Cell Biology,Research Experience,Spectroscopy,Cell Culture,Molecular Biology,Microscopy,Research Laboratory Experience

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1