A Post-Doc position, or postdoctoral fellowship, refers to a temporary academic role designed for recent PhD graduates. The term 'Post-Doc' is shorthand for postdoctoral researcher, meaning a professional who continues advanced research after earning their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. These positions bridge the gap between doctoral training and independent academic or industry careers, typically lasting one to three years. Originating in the United States after World War II to meet growing research demands, Post-Doc roles have spread globally, including to developing regions like West Africa.
In Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation in the Sahel, Post-Doc jobs focus on pressing local issues such as climate resilience and public health. They provide hands-on experience in resource-limited settings, fostering skills for impactful contributions.
Post-Docs in Burkina Faso conduct independent research under senior mentors, often at institutions like Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo in Ouagadougou or the Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquées et Technologies (IRSAT). Daily tasks include designing experiments, analyzing data, writing publications, and sometimes supervising students. For instance, a Post-Doc in agronomy might study drought-resistant crops at the Institut de l'Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA), addressing food insecurity amid Sahelian challenges.
Unlike permanent faculty, Post-Docs emphasize research output over teaching, though light mentoring occurs. Success involves securing grants and networking internationally, given collaborations with French organizations like the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD).
To secure Post-Doc jobs in Burkina Faso, candidates need specific credentials and abilities:
These elements ensure Post-Docs can contribute immediately while advancing their careers.
Burkina Faso's higher education has expanded since independence in 1960, with research gaining momentum through 2010s reforms and partnerships. Post-Doc jobs, though numbering fewer than 200 annually, offer unique entry into African academia. Thrive by following advice in resources like postdoctoral success strategies.
Challenges include modest stipends (around 500,000-1,000,000 CFA francs monthly, or $800-$1,600 USD), limited lab facilities, and security concerns in rural sites. Yet, positives abound: cultural immersion, high-impact publications, and pathways to tenure-track roles.
Start by monitoring calls from universities and agencies like the West African Science Service Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL). Craft a compelling CV, as outlined in winning academic CV guides. Network via conferences and platforms listing Post-Doc jobs. Learn basic local languages like Moore for fieldwork rapport. Apply early, as positions fill via personal connections.
For broader career growth, explore research jobs across Africa.
Ready to pursue Post-Doc opportunities? Browse higher ed jobs for openings, access higher ed career advice, search university jobs worldwide, or help build talent pipelines by employers choosing to post a job.
Academic Jobs lists current university and higher education openings in Burkina Faso with filters that match how campuses hire — by job type, position, city, and institution. Use the search above to narrow the live list, then apply from the employer listing. Set an alert with the same filters so new posts reach you while they are still open.
This page is for job seekers who want higher-ed roles, not a generic job feed. The heading count is the number of matching jobs in Burkina Faso right now. That is the figure you should use when you decide whether to widen the region or keep filtering.
Reach qualified post-doc professionals across any industry. List your vacancy on AcademicJobs.com.
Get notified when new post-doc vacancies are posted on Academic Jobs.
The University of Western Australia
University of Western Australia
Human Frontier Science Program
Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)
Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)
University of Western Australia
Shepherd Foundation
Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)
There are currently no jobs available.
Get alerts from AcademicJobs.com as soon as new jobs are posted