PostDoctoral Fellowship in Nanotechnology and Environmental Engineering Research Group

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university is seeking a postdoctoral fellow for its School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering. The role involves conducting innovative research on nanomaterials for wastewater treatment and mentoring students. Candidates must hold a PhD in Chemical Engineering with a strong publication record, excellent scientific communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Qualifications

• Strong background in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Good track record of publications in ISI journals.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and teamwork ability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research independently and collaboratively.
• Generate innovative research ideas and publish findings.
• Contribute to the development of technologies for wastewater treatment.

Skills

Conducting research on nanomaterial synthesis

Fabrication of advanced membrane materials

Removing micropollutants from wastewater

Physicochemical analysis techniques

Using machine learning tools

Supervising mentoring students

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SEM

TEM

FTIR

XRD

EDX

TGA

Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)

Job description

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Potchefstroom
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

About Our Company

NWU

Introduction

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) FACULTY OF ENGINEERING SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL & MINERALS ENGINEERING VACANCY: POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN NANOTECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH GROUP EMPLOYMENT TYPE: CONTRACT

Job Description

A postdoctoral fellow position is available at the School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering at the North-West University. The prospective candidate should be able to conduct research independently and collaboratively, generate innovative research ideas, document and publish research findings within the School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering. As a postdoctoral research fellow in the nanotechnology and environmental engineering research group, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of novel technologies and catalytic processes for solid waste valorisation, and their application in the synthesis of 2D nanomaterials, with the sole goal of applying them as economically viable and sustainable solutions to wastewater treatment and other water-related treatment technologies.

The Prospective Candidate Should Possess a Strong Background In Chemical Engineering Or a Related Field And Have Sufficient Experience In The Following

• Conducting research on nanomaterial synthesis from solid wastes.
• Fabrication of advanced membrane materials for wastewater treatment.
• Removing micropollutants from wastewater using smart advanced nanomaterials.
• Conducting physicochemical analysis using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and so on.
• Familiar with using machine learning tools such as artificial neural networks (ANN) for modelling and prediction processes.
• Supervising/ mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering obtained within five years.
• Good track record of publications in peer-reviewed ISI journals.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and teamwork ability.

Enquiries Regarding Job Content

Prof Kapil Moothi – [e-mail]

Enquiries Regarding Recruitment Process

Mrs Fadilha Minty 018 285 2120

CLOSING DATE: 19 September 2025

COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications may only be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of the Employment Equity Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.