The University of Limpopo, through the Division of Research Capacity Development and the Environmental Epitoxicology Group in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, invites prospective MSc candidates to apply for the South African Medical Research Council Research Capacity Development Initiative (SAMRC RCDI)-Nested MSc Scholarship.
The research will focus on the effects of anthropogenic environmental stressors on epigenetic regulation and their role in modulating gene expression. The successful candidate will investigate DNA methylation variation in aquatic macroinvertebrates collected from areas exposed to varying degrees of human disturbance.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Conduct field and laboratory research, including sample collection, identification and processing.
- Perform molecular and epigenetic analyses, including DNA extraction and DNA methylation profiling.
- Analyse and interpret data to investigate the effects of anthropogenic environmental stressors on epigenetic variation.
- Contribute to scientific outputs, including literature reviews, research presentations, reports and manuscript preparation.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Hold an Honours degree in Biochemistry or a related field.
- Preference will be given to candidates from historically disadvantaged groups.
- Have laboratory experience in molecular techniques; knowledge of epigenetics, genomics, bioinformatics or statistical analysis will be an added advantage.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
The scholarship is valued at R200 000 per year, with renewal of funding for the second year subject to the receipt of a satisfactory progress report and the availability of funding.
Interested candidates are required to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing their academic and research background, a cover letter outlining their motivation and research interests, a certified copy of their ID, and a certified copy of their highest qualification.
Applications should be submitted to pirwana.chokoe@ul.ac.za by 20 August 2026.