Postdoctoral Fellowship

Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellenbosch University offers a Postdoctoral Fellowship aimed at advancing research on fresh produce cooling using computational fluid dynamics. The fellow will work within a multi-disciplinary team and has opportunities for publication and international conference attendance. This fully funded position is available immediately for one year, with possible extensions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree obtained within the last four years.
• Sound computational fluid dynamics modelling skills advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Undertake multiphysics research on fresh produce cooling.
• Characterise heat and mass transfer processes using advanced modelling techniques.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team and industry partners.

Skills

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Education

Ph.D. in Engineering or Related Field

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellowship

Scope of Research:This postdoctoral fellowship offers an opportunity to undertake multiphysics research on fresh produce cooling within cooling facilities and refrigerated containers. The research involves characterising heat and mass transfer processes using computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis approaches, aiming to address long-standing challenges in temperature uniformity and cooling efficiency that significantly impact food wastage. The candidate will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team comprising researchers and postgraduate students from the Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering Department, the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Empa – Swiss Federal Laboratories in Switzerland and the Africa Institute for Postharvest Technology.

The successful fellow will refine existing models, integrate experimental and environmental data, and validate outcomes through collaboration with industry partners. Working within this diverse team, the candidate will also have extensive opportunities to publish across engineering and biosystems disciplines. The fellowship is fully funded and initially offered for one year, with strong prospects for extension based on performance and funding availability, including a provision to attend an international conference.

Requirements: We seek an individual with a Ph.D. (obtained within the last four years) in engineering or a related field. Sound computational fluid dynamics modelling skills will be advantageous.

Commencement date: Immediately (over 2025)

Closing date: 31 August 2025

Enquiries: Send a letter of application, accompanied by a comprehensive curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and the names and contact details of at least two referees, to [e-mail]

Annual stipend:R520 000 per annum

Contact details of the host:

Dr Tarl Berry (Host)

Department of Horticulture & Department of Mechanical Engineering (collaborative)

Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 7600

[e-mail] / [phone]

·Applicants should request their referees to forward confidential reports directly to the same address by the closing date.

·Note: Postdoctoral fellows are not appointed as employees and as their fellowships are awarded tax-free, they are not eligible for employee benefits. The University reserves the right NOT to make an appointment if suitable candidates do not apply.

• Note: If the contract is for two years, this will be subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory academic progress (annual performance reviews must be held).