Post-Doctoral Fellow in Smart Grids: Electrical - Power Systems (12 months contract)

Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Cape Town seeks a motivated Post-Doctoral Fellow in Smart Grids to join their dynamic research team. This role focuses on groundbreaking research in renewable energy integration, smart grid solutions, and power systems. The successful candidate will collaborate on innovative projects, mentor students, and publish findings in prestigious journals. This full-time position offers a competitive tax-free salary and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive academic environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems/Control) completed within the last 5 years.
• Strong background in power systems analysis, simulation, and modelling.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on smart grids technologies.
• Develop innovative solutions for renewable energy integration and grid modernization.
• Publish research findings in top-tier journals.

Skills

Power Systems Analysis

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

DIgSILENT Powerfactory

Job description

Post-Doctoral Fellow in Smart Grids: Electrical - Power Systems (12 months contract) - (7880)

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Job Title

Post-Doctoral Fellow in Smart Grids: Electrical - Power Systems (12 months contract)

Faculty

Department

Cape Peninsula University of Technology -> Engineering and the Built Environment -> Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering

Campus/ Location

Job Type

Contract

Occupational Function

Number of Positions

1

Annual Salary Package (incl. Medical Aid rate based on principal member only)

To be confirmed

Advert Closing Date

8/6/2025

Job Purpose

The Smart Grid Research in the Centre for Intelligent Systems & Emerging Technologies at Cape Peninsula University of Technology is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Fellow to join our dynamic research team working on cutting-edge smart grid technologies and power systems. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that addresses the challenges of integrating renewable energy resources, enhancing grid resilience, and developing next-generation smart grid solutions. The successful candidate will conduct research in one or more of the following areas:

• Integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and renewable energy systems into smart grids.
• Advanced control and optimization algorithms for smart grid operations.
• Grid edge technologies and microgrid development.
• Smart grid cybersecurity and resilience.
• Real-time monitoring and predictive analytics for power systems.
• Development of digital twins for power grid infrastructure.
• Energy storage integration and management.
• Smart metering infrastructure and demand response mechanisms.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems/Control), Intelligent Systems, or a closely related field (completed within the last 5 years).
• Strong background in power systems analysis, simulation, and modelling.
• Proficiency in programming platforms (Python, MATLAB, or similar simulation platforms).
• Proficiency in modelling & simulation packages (DIgSILENT Powerfactory, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar platforms).
• Excellent publication record in high-impact journals and conferences.

Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on smart grids technologies.
• Develop innovative solutions for renewable energy integration and grid modernization.
• Design and implement experimental testbeds for smart grid applications.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in related research projects.
• Publish research findings in top-tier journals (high impact) and present at international conferences.
• Assist in the preparation of research proposals and grant applications.
• Collaborate with industry partners and other academic institutions.
• Opportunity to supervise postgraduate students (bachelor, honours, master, and doctoral levels).
• Participate in laboratory management and research team activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of Data Science will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques applied to power systems will be advantageous.
• Familiarity with power system optimization and control.
• Experience with industry partnerships or collaborative research projects will be advantageous.

General Information

The position is for 12 months with an opportunity for renewal on a performance basis up to a maximum of 3 years. This is a full-time post with a Tax-free remuneration of R250,000/annum. No relocation assistance available.

Interested candidates should submit a motivation letter, CV, a summary of research interests, and contact information of three references. All documents in PDF, using the following link: https://forms.gle/aZwdaRUgY45McnYw8

• Copy of certified ID/Passport.
• Certified copy of qualifications or
• A valid South African Quality Authority (SAQA) certificate for the qualification not obtained in South Africa.
• If a candidate has graduated and has yet to obtain his/her certificate, an attestation letter from the Office of the Registrar will do.
• No email submission of CVs will be accepted.

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve our equity objectives and therefore, people from the designated groups, including those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose appointment contributes towards the achievement of demographic representation. We reserve the right not to make an appointment.

Copyright, Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
We are a university in Cape Town, South Africa and the only university of Technology in the Western Cape province.
We are also the largest university in the province.