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Support for Postdoctoral Fellows

Support from the Research Office

The University Research Office is centrally placed, in organisational terms, and therefore carries the overall responsibility for the welfare of Postdoctoral Fellows at Wits. The University Research Office:

  • Provides Postdoctoral Fellows with their official invitation to take up a Fellowship;
  • Is the custodian of the Postdoctoral Fellowship contracts;
  • Administers the payment of stipends;
  • Offers moral support and an independent mediating function in the unlikely event that you end up in a dispute with your Host. 

Website: http://www.wits.ac.za/research
Address: Braamfontein, East campus, Solomon Mahlangu House, 10th floor

Head of Postgraduate Strategy and Research Development
Prof Jennifer Fitchett

Administrative Officer: Postdoctoral Fellows
Mr Alban van Roy
E: alban.vanroy@wits.ac.za
T: +27 (0)11 717 1389 during office hours

Research Business Manager: Research Office
Mrs Beverley Manus          
E: beverley.manus@wits.ac.za
T: +27 (0) 11 717 1235
Office number: 10 004

 

Faculty Office Human Resources


Support from your Host

A senior academic hosts each Postdoctoral Fellow. Your relationship with your Host is of particular importance as he/she is the person with whom you will have almost daily contact. Your Host will play a mentorship role in your life and is therefore the first point of call for any issue. Although you will be required to work independently, your Host will assist with your research by providing a workspace, guidance, access to resources and networks. Your Host will also help you to secure accommodation before you arrive at Wits.

On the other hand, your Host will from time to time ask you for support in his/her academic activities. Some examples of this may include giving advice to postgraduate students with their research, overseeing laboratory activities, training users of research equipment, presenting research findings and discussing research outputs. You should participate in these activities willingly as they will broaden your knowledge and understanding of the academic process. However, you should never lose focus on your research, as this will remain your primary goal during your Fellowship.


Support from your Department or School

You will be embedded in your Host’s school and it will become your academic home during your Fellowship, as it is where you will do your day-to-day work. It is important to get to know your Head of School / Department / Institute. Take the time to introduce yourself to this important person.

You should feel free to participate in all entity activities that are open to the academic staff. This may include research seminars, meetings with visiting faculty members, committee work and general staff meetings.

Another important person in your life is your School’s Administrator. This person will provide you with administrative support or will be able to advice you on how to get such support. Make sure you introduce yourself to this very important person.

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