The University of Limpopo’s Research Administration and Development invites highly qualified and motivated individuals to apply for a range of funded positions, including Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral Research Fellowships. These fellowships are associated with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Research Capacity Development Initiative (RCDI)-funded research programme.
This initiative is designed to empower emerging researchers by providing them the unique opportunity to engage in established, well-funded multidisciplinary research projects within the realm of health sciences. Fellows will not only be able to contribute to cutting-edge research but will also have the chance to cultivate their own independent research profiles and enhance their publication records. This programme aims to foster innovation and development in health research while supporting the career growth of the next generation of scholars in the field. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications to be part of this transformative experience.
Project 1: Empowering Community Health Workers as Diabetes Champions
Overview: This project aims to empower Community Health Workers (CHWs) as Diabetes Champions to strengthen primary-care coordination and diabetes management in Limpopo’s Capricorn District. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design will be employed across three phases, comprising: (i) assessment of CHW capacity, (ii) co-development of a training toolkit, and (iii) implementation of community-based interventions including screening, lifestyle counselling, and strengthened referral mechanisms. Quantitative data will measure changes in CHW competencies, screening uptake, and glycemic control, while qualitative data will capture stakeholder experiences. Expected outcomes include enhanced CHW skills, improved community awareness, strengthened referral systems, and a sustainable community-anchored diabetes model. Due to financial constraints, the mentorship supervision component will not be implemented in this phase.
Contact Person: Prof Mabitsela Mphasha – Mabitsela.Mphasha@ul.ac.za
Project 2: Digital Monitoring of Dysmenorrhea for Preconception Care
Overview: This study addresses the under-recognition of dysmenorrhea as an indicator of preconception risk among rural women in Limpopo Province, where menstrual pain is normalised and undocumented within health systems. Using a participatory multi-method approach at rural primary healthcare clinics, the study will determine prevalence and pain patterns, explore care-seeking behaviours, and co-design a digital monitoring tool with symptom tracking features. The project aligns with digital transformation and prevention-focused maternal care priorities. Outcomes include robust epidemiological data, understanding of healthcare pathways, and evidence to inform policy briefs and larger-scale digital health funding applications. The study will generate foundational evidence for AI-driven preconception health solutions in low-resource settings.
Contact Person: Prof Molatelo Rasweswe – Melitah.Rasweswe@ul.ac.za
Project 3: Voices4Moms: Multilingual mHealth Complaint System
Overview: This project aims to develop and evaluate a multilingual mobile health complaint and feedback system to improve equitable maternity care in Limpopo Province. Using implementation research design across four phases, the study will identify barriers to reporting complaints, assess provider responsiveness, and co-create user-friendly features including voice recordings and local language translation. AI-driven Natural Language Processing and machine learning will analyse and prioritise high-risk cases, transforming reactive complaint systems into predictive surveillance tools. Expected outcomes include reduced maternal complications, decreased medicolegal costs, improved patient satisfaction, and integration with existing health system complaint mechanisms. The system will enable timely communication between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to improve maternal outcomes.
Contact Person: Prof Livhuwani Muthelo – Livhuwani.Muthelo@ul.ac.za
Project 4: Genomic Surveillance of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Overview: This project addresses the rising burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in Limpopo Province by combining phenotypic drug susceptibility testing with whole genome sequencing. Remnant sputum specimens from MDR-TB facilities will be analysed using smear microscopy, MGIT culture, and GeneXpert MTB/XDR assays, with genomic sequencing targeting resistance genes including Rv0678, atpE, and fbiA/B/C. The study anticipates identifying established and novel mutations linked to resistance against BPaL(M) drugs and documenting minimum inhibitory concentration shifts. Findings will inform provincial and national TB control strategies, particularly given Limpopo’s porous borders with Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana. This will provide the first high-resolution genomic and phenotypic dataset for DR-TB in the province, strengthening surveillance infrastructure.
Contact Person: Prof Ivy Rukasha – Ivy Rukasha@ul.ac.za
Project 5: Strengthening Midwifery Competencies for Maternal Health
Overview: This study aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in Limpopo Province through strengthening midwifery competencies, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3.1. Using a mixed-methods design across all five districts, the study will assess midwives’ and pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding maternal healthcare guidelines and obstetric danger signs. A context-specific midwifery training programme and digital mentorship support system will be developed, implemented, and evaluated through participatory action research. Expected outcomes include improved midwife competencies, strengthened maternal health systems, and decreased maternal morbidity and mortality rates. The project aligns with South Africa’s commitment to achieving SDG 3.1 and will produce scalable models for capacity strengthening.
Contact Person: Prof Tshifelimbilu Ramavhoya – irene.ramavhoya@ul.ac.za
Project 6: Pharmacist-Led Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease
Overview: This project aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a pharmacist-led training and screening model for early detection and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients receiving chronic medication in Limpopo Province. Using a three-year mixed-methods approach, the study will estimate facility-based CKD prevalence, assess pharmacist knowledge and practices, and co-develop a screening and referral model suitable for district hospital integration. The study addresses CKD burden driven by hypertension, diabetes, and HIV in resource-limited settings where early detection remains poor. Expected outcomes include epidemiological evidence on CKD burden, improved pharmacist capacity, validated training tools, and policy briefs. The project aligns with South Africa’s Non-Communicable Diseases Strategic Plan and SAMRC research priorities.
Contact Person: Dr Nkateko Mabila – Nkateko.Mabila@ul.ac.za
Project 7: Strengthening Health-Promoting School Implementation
Overview: This study aims to strengthen capacity of one selected Limpopo school to function as a Health-Promoting School by establishing and empowering a multisectoral School Health Committee (SHC). Using participatory action research and implementation science across four phases, the study will conduct baseline Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) assessments, establish SHCs with defined terms of reference, develop tailored training curriculum, and evaluate intervention effectiveness. The project addresses challenges including poor sanitation, inadequate nutrition services, and limited psychosocial support in rural schools. Expected outcomes include improved SHC member knowledge and practices, enhanced intersectoral collaboration, and a scalable model for rural South African schools. Findings will contribute evidence toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4.
Contact Person: Dr Rirhandzu Mabasa – Rirhandzu.Mabasa@ul.ac.za
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Master’s and Doctoral Degree Applicants
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for Master’s and PhD research opportunities focusing on any of the research areas listed above. Applicants should meet the admission criteria for the relevant programmes:
- For Master’s Degree:Relevant Honours/Bachelor’s Honours qualification and university admission requirements. A minimum average of 60% in a relevant Honours Degree or four-year degree is required.
- For Doctoral Degree:A relevant Master’s degree at NQF Level 9 is required.
Postdoctoral Fellowship Applicants
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be an unemployed South African citizen at the time of application/appointment.
- Hold a completed doctoral qualification (NQF Level 10) in a relevant Health Sciences discipline, specifically:
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Medical Sciences
- Public Health
- Demonstrate a sound research background and competence in health sciences research methodology.
- Have experience in quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-methods research.
- Possess a demonstrable peer-reviewed publication profile in accredited scientific journals, with evidence of meaningful contribution to published research.
- Demonstrate experience in scientific writing and manuscript preparation, with the ability to contribute to and lead publications arising from the research programme.
- Provide evidence of active participation in scientific conferences, preferably including podium/oral presentations at national and/or international conferences.
- Demonstrate competence in research data management, analysis, and interpretation appropriate to their disciplinary background.
- Have the ability to work independently, meet research deliverables, and function effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
- Possess strong scientific communication, analytical, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate a willingness to contribute actively to the outputs of the SAMRC RCDI-funded CKD research programme, including publications, conference presentations, stakeholder engagement, and future grant applications.
- Experience in diabetes/NCDs, community health, primary healthcare, CHW programmes, rural health, implementation science, or health systems research will be an advantage.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Interested candidates should submit the following documentation:
- A detailed academic Curriculum Vitae, including a complete publication record.
- A certified copy of the doctoral qualification or official evidence of completion (for postdoctoral applicants).
- A motivation letter outlining the applicant’s research background, suitability for the fellowship, and how their research interests align with the SAMRC RCDI CKD research programme.
- A list of peer-reviewed publications, clearly indicating first-author publications.
- Evidence of national and/or international conference participation and scientific presentations.
- A brief summary of methodological and data-analysis expertise.
- Contact details of at least two academic/research referees.
- Any additional documentation required by the University of Limpopo and/or SAMRC for appointment of research fellows.
SELECTION PROCESS
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview and may be required to present their previous research and proposed contribution to the SAMRC RCDI research programme. The fellowship will be subject to the applicable University of Limpopo and SAMRC eligibility requirements, policies, funding conditions, and postdoctoral fellowship regulations.