Postdoctoral researchers and graduate students (Honours, Masters and PhD) interested in studying ectotherms’ responses to climate change and biological invasions are encouraged to contact Susana Clusella-Trullas.

Enthusiastic and motivated students with a strong academic record are given priority. Funding opportunities exist through the NRF and Stellenbosch University (see Research Development and Postgraduate office). Please ensure to contact us well before fellowship and bursary application deadlines.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES and projects for 2026-2027:

Application Open for Post-doctoral Research Fellowship

Project title – Thermoregulation and Climate Change Adaptation

A 2-year fully funded postdoctoral research position is available at the CL•I•M•E laboratory (https://climelab.net/) of Susana Clusella-Trullas, Department of Botany and Zoology, at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. This project forms part of a collaboration with Prof. Res Altwegg (Dept. Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town) and Dr Pietro Landi (Dept. Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University).

Value: Base stipend is R300,000 salary per annum (tax-free fellowship) with possibility of topping up depending on performance and experience.

Scope of research: This postdoctoral project will focus on testing hypotheses relating to the drivers of animal thermoregulation in a phylogenetic and global context. The project offers a unique opportunity to analytically test these questions using an already established database of behavioural responses of ectotherms to temperature variation. The overarching objective seeks to combine this approach with experimental and individual-based modelling tools to advance our understanding of the role of thermoregulation to climate adaptation.

Requirements: We are seeking an enthusiastic and energetic postdoc with a strong work ethic and good interpersonal skills to lead this project. A PhD in ecology, or related field (e.g. evolutionary, behavioural, physiological, or mathematical/statistical ecology) is required. The candidate should have an excellent academic track record evidenced by quality peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals. The candidate should have a strong background in statistical approaches in the R environment (e.g. meta-analysis, phylogenetically informed analyses, Bayesian analyses), data management skills to enhance collaborative and reproducible science, and experience in experimental design for ecological studies.

The candidate should be capable of working independently and as part of a team. A valid ordinary vehicle driver’s license is required. The PhD degree should have preferably been obtained within the last 4 years from the date of this application.

Environment: Stellenbosch University provides a rich multidisciplinary environment in a beautiful setting, with access to mountains and the sea. It is ranked in the top 300 universities globally and is recognized as one of the top research universities in Africa and South Africa (see https://www.su.ac.za/en for more information). The successful applicant will have access to resources and several dynamic research groups, e.g. School for Climate studies and the Centre for Statistics in Ecology, the Environment and Conservation (SEEC). As part of the fellow’s professional development activities, the successful candidate will be offered the opportunity to participate in teaching and supervising postgraduate students. The CL•I•M•E lab is committed to supporting candidates based on excellence, diversity and equity.

Project duration: 2 years – from 2026-2027 (Year 2 is conditional on satisfactory progress and at least two peer-reviewed publications arising from this project). The post is full time and will preferably start on 1st March 2026.

To apply

Applications and further queries should be sent to Prof. Susana Clusella-Trullas (sct333@sun.ac.za) and consist of a single PDF containing:

• A cover letter (max 300 words) motivating your application and fit for the position.
• Current, comprehensive CV with complete publication list.
• Copies of the doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degrees with grades obtained.
• Names and full contact details of at least two academic referees.

Review of applications begins November 26th 2025 and will close as soon as a suitable candidate has been found.