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Precision Exercise Prescription for Sustained Physical Activity and NCD Prevention
The Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI) at the University of Pretoria invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship within the SEMLI research focus area described below. The vision of SEMLI is to be an international leader in scientific, multi-disciplinary, translational research in the areas of sport, exercise medicine and lifestyle interventions for chronic disease. This postdoctoral fellowship presents an opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of the SEMLI research activities within a multidisciplinary team.
The postdoctoral fellow will work within a research program aimed at optimising physical activity strategies for the prevention of non-communicable disease risk. This research program tackles the global challenge of physical inactivity by developing contextually relevant strategies to enhance and sustain participation in physical activity. It integrates studies across settings and populations – from personalised clinical exercise prescription to the health behaviours of health sciences students and PA promotion in resource-limited settings. Through this multi-level, multidisciplinary approach, the program aims to generate evidence-based frameworks that inform physical activity prescription to reduce NCD risk and improve health.
Responsibilities:
The fellow will engage in projects that leverage the fellows’ qualifications and experience, advancing their academic careers and meeting SEMLI’s research needs. Tasks will include, but not limited to:
- conducting research at SEMLI, including proposal development and ethics submissions, planning and implementing data collection, data cleaning and analysis, manuscript writing and editing – publishing academic papers and presenting at conferences (where opportunities exist) – collaborating with academic staff, sport science and clinical practitioners, coaches etc as necessary – supervising MSc and PhD students
- identifying and contributing to grant funding applications
- carrying out administrative tasks as necessary in day-to-day operations
Tenure and funding:
The duration of this Fellowship is 2 years, full-time, beginning in 2027, and will be based at SEMLI in Pretoria, South Africa. This Fellowship will conform to all requirements and policies as stipulated by the University of Pretoria for international or local postdoctoral fellowships, and is dependent on the successful acquisition of funding for the 2-year period.
Requirements:
A PhD in one of the following (or related) fields, obtained within the past five years:
- Sport and Exercise Medicine
- Sport/Exercise Science
- Biomechanics
- Biokinetics
- Sports Physiotherapy
Experience:
- Publication record in peer-reviewed academic journals
- Experience in the supervision of postgraduate students
- Experience with technologies for physiological and sport science data collection and analysis, as well as computational and analytical tools (e.g. AI, machine learning, predictive analytics)
- Experience with data management and statistical analysis
- Strong computer skills, including MS Office and statistical software
- Strong interpersonal and English verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and to work in a multidisciplinary team environment
- Applicants need to be younger than 40-years at the time of taking up the Fellowship.
Contact:
Expressions of interest to be sent to Dr Jill Borresen at jill.borresen@up.ac.za before 18 November 2026.
Please include the following supporting documents in your mail:
- Cover letter detailing your area(s) of expertise and how they align with the research area outlined above, what you can bring to the research programme of SEMLI, and what your career aspirations are.
- CV including qualifications, work experience, and evidence of achievements such as publications and awards.
- Complete academic record
- Names and contact details of two professional referees.
SEMLI reserves the right not to appoint.