UDSM Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has announced a funded postdoctoral fellowship opportunity under the Marine Science for Blue Growth (MSBG) Project 2024–2030. This initiative aims to strengthen marine science research capacity in Tanzania while supporting innovative solutions that promote sustainable fisheries, aquaculture development, and coastal community transformation.
First, the fellowship provides researchers with the opportunity to advance scientific research in areas linked to the blue economy. Moreover, successful fellows will collaborate with international experts and research institutions, gaining valuable academic exposure and expanding professional research networks. Consequently, the program represents an excellent opportunity for academic staff seeking to deepen their expertise in marine sciences.
Why Join the Marine Science for Blue Growth Project
The Marine Science for Blue Growth (MSBG) project is designed to strengthen postgraduate training and research innovation in marine sciences.
First, the project promotes interdisciplinary research aimed at solving real-world challenges affecting fisheries and aquaculture in coastal communities. Additionally, fellows will benefit from collaboration with leading researchers from Stockholm University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Moreover, the program supports research that integrates environmental sustainability, economic development, and gender inclusion. Therefore, participants will contribute to knowledge generation that supports sustainable blue economy initiatives in Tanzania.
About the Project
The Marine Science for Blue Growth (MSBG) 2024–2030 Project is implemented by the University of Dar es Salaam in collaboration with international academic partners.
The initiative focuses on strengthening research capacity and generating innovative solutions in marine science sectors critical to national development. Key thematic areas include:
- Gender inclusiveness in fisheries and aquaculture for sustainable development
- Greening aquaculture through improved technologies such as disease prevention, fish meal replacement, and efficient water use
- Sustainable fisheries using remote sensing technologies and smart fishing gears
The project promotes collaborative research training involving experts from local and international universities.
Available Postdoctoral Fellowship Positions
The project is seeking highly qualified scientists and researchers from the University of Dar es Salaam to undertake a two-year postdoctoral fellowship focusing on green fisheries and aquaculture development.
Research Focus Areas
Applicants may propose research aligned with the following themes:
- Integrating resource economics and gender inclusiveness in fisheries and aquaculture value chains to support poverty reduction in coastal Tanzania.
- Exploring the chemistry of the black soldier fly to improve fish nutrition, feed efficiency, and promote sustainable rural aquaculture development.
Who Can Apply
Eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a PhD degree from an institution recognized by the Tanzania Commission for Universities.
- Demonstrate strong research experience in areas such as:
- Aquaculture
- Chemistry
- Marine resource economics
- Fisheries or related disciplines
- Be willing to commit full-time to the postdoctoral program at the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam.
- Be a Tanzanian citizen.
- Be an academic staff member of the University of Dar es Salaam.
Priority consideration will be given to candidates who previously completed PhD training under the Sida–UDSM project and wish to expand their earlier research work.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Application cover letter expressing interest in the fellowship
- Letter of commitment from a proposed mentor (must be a Professor and recognized expert in the relevant field)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified academic certificates and transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Research concept note (maximum 4 pages) including:
- Background of the study
- Research objectives or questions
- Proposed methodology
- Required research resources
- Type of mentorship required
Benefits for Successful Fellows
Selected fellows will receive several benefits including:
- Monthly stipend for two years
- Local travel support to facilitate fieldwork activities
- Access to research laboratories at the Institute of Marine Sciences
- Research opportunities at the Pangani Mariculture Center
- Opportunities to present research findings at regional and international conferences
- Access to international research networks supported by the Sida-UDSM Project
Expected Outputs and Deliverables
Successful fellows will be required to produce the following outputs during the fellowship period:
- Publish at least two original research articles in reputable international peer-reviewed journals
- Develop two policy briefs targeting relevant stakeholders
- Present research findings at at least one regional or international conference
- Submit periodic progress reports and a final technical report upon completion of the fellowship
How to Apply
The complete application package should be submitted by email with the subject line:
“Marine Sciences Postdoc Application.”
Send the application to:
- Dr. Mbiru Moses Mapombe (Principal Investigator)
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Copy to:
- Dr. Rukia Kitula (Co-Principal Investigator) – [email protected]
- Director’s Office, Institute of Marine Sciences – [email protected]
Application Deadline: 12 April 2026
Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process.
Final Thought
The UDSM Marine Science for Blue Growth Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for academic researchers to advance marine science innovation and contribute to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in Tanzania.
Therefore, if you are a qualified researcher with a strong interest in marine science and the blue economy, this fellowship provides an excellent platform to expand your research impact while collaborating with leading international institutions. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications and submit them before the deadline.
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