The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) has formed an FHS Postdoctoral Association Working Group to support and represent postdoctoral researchers (postdocs) within the faculty. The working group was established at a faculty meeting held with postdocs in October 2024. 

Postdocs are defined by UCT as “individuals who undertake research and gain professional experience for a future academic career, under the mentorship of a host or principal investigator”.  

The purpose of the postdoctoral fellowship is to provide an opportunity for experiential learning in research, which may serve as a path for further academic and professional development. In 2024 there were 124 postdoctoral fellowships in FHS. 

“Postdocs often lack visibility, recognition, and adequate support,” said FHS Postdoc Association Working Group Chair, Dr Carly Young-Bailie. “The FHS Postdoc Association Working Group was established to change this. Our primary goal is to serve as a dedicated platform to support and advocate for postdocs within the FHS, ensuring that our voices are heard, our contributions valued, and our needs addressed,” she added. 

The working group was established to be a ‘home’ for these fellows: 

"It is essential to create a safe space where both incoming and experienced postdocs can openly discuss the challenges they face and collaboratively propose potential solutions,” said working group co-chair, Dr Tshepiso Mbangiwa.  

FHS postdocs wishing to be part of the working group can contact: 

Dr Carly Young-Baile (Chair) or 

Dr Tshepiso Mbangiwa (Co-Chair).

For more information about being a postdoctoral fellow at UCT visit the Postdoctoral Fellows Hub.