PhD position in Artificial Intelligence Systems and Microbial Hydroponics

Conditions and Eligibility: Both South African and foreign candidates are eligible. Applicants must have completed (or be nearing completion of) a Master's degree in a relevant discipline. The applicant will be expected to have a strong academic background in Computer Science, Engineering or Biology with research experience and skills in artificial intelligence. We are particularly looking for candidates with: • A Master's degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or related natural sciences. • Demonstrated experience in scientific programming and machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch). The successful candidate will be expected to publish at least three conference or journal publications during the fellowship tenure. The successful candidate will need to satisfy the requirements and register for a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Cape Town and enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the University and a Memorandum of Understanding with their supervisor. Application deadline and requirements (as a single pdf document): The first deadline is 12:00 on 15 April 2026. The call will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Applications must include the following: • A covering letter explaining the candidate's suitability, research interest and experience, as well as their availability. • A brief research statement (1-2 pages) describing the candidates interests and how they align with the research focus of the position. • The applicant's full curriculum vitae and a full list of publications (if any). • The names and contact details of at least two academics who have taught, supervised or worked alongside the applicant. • Certified copies of all academic transcripts (undergraduate, Honours (if applicable), Masters) showing all courses completed with results. Applications must be submitted to the AIRU administrator, Mrs Tharien Potgieter (tharien.potgieter@uct.ac.za). Enquiries about the position can be made to Dr Henok Moges (Henok.moges@uct.ac.za). The University of Cape Town reserves the right to make no awards at all, to cancel the award if the conditions are not met, and to effect changes to the conditions of the award. The University of Cape Town reserves the right to disqualify ineligible, incomplete, and/or inappropriate applications.