Schmidt Science Fellows
A generous but extremely competitive postdoc opportunity with a catch – the candidate will need to apply for a postdoc in a different field from the one in which they completed their PhD.
Postdoc Opportunity for Wits Students
Find out more about the Schmidt Science opportunity
2026 Guidance for Nominating Parners
2026 Call for Applications
How to Apply
Send the following to Prof. Moira Bode, email: Moira.Bode@wits.ac.za
- One-page document motivating why you believe you are suitable for this post-doc. This document must include details of the pivot – what you are doing now versus what you would do in the post-doc.
- There must be explicit information on how this will serve social good and what new skills will be needed so that the post-doc can be completed successfully.
- Details of where you would like to do this post-doc and why.
Supervisors must provide a brief note of support for the applicant.
Deadline: 4 April 2025
Eligibility details
- Studying for a PhD in natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Physics), Engineering, Mathematics, Computing – or any of the sub-disciplines, at one of our nominating partner institutions. Individuals on clinical track MD-PhD or Veterinary-PhD programs are not eligible.
- Expected to complete all requirements for the conferral of their PhD between May 15, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
- Able to start their Fellowship in July 2026 or October 2026, available from April 2026 to July 2027 to attend virtual onboarding activities, and from October 2026 to attend in-person convenings.