Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Chemical Engineering

Mintek Pty Ltd.; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintek is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Chemical Engineering to conduct experimental and theoretical research on percolation leaching, including heap and vat leaching. The role involves developing predictive models, supporting process scale-up and contributing to technology development.

The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team, publish findings, mentor junior researchers and manage research activities in line with SHEQ requirements.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a BSc(Eng) or BEng undergraduate degree (final thesis corrections accepted).
• Demonstrated experience in hydrometallurgy.
• Sound understanding of fluid flow, mass transfer and reaction kinetics in heterogeneous systems.
• Experience in percolation leaching (heap or VAT leaching) or biometallurgy will be advantageous.
• Experience in process modelling, machine learning or data-driven modelling will be advantageous.
• A publication record in peer-reviewed journals would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental and theoretical research on percolation leaching processes (heap and vat leaching), including hydrodynamics, mass transfer and reaction kinetics.
• Design, execute and interpret laboratory-scale test work to improve process understanding and support technology development. Contribute innovative ideas and methodologies to advance percolation leaching and biometallurgical processes.
• Analyse experimental data and contribute to process modelling, prediction and optimisation of leaching performance.
• Prepare research proposals and contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and intellectual property development.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to collaborative research programmes. Plan and manage research activities in compliance with SHEQ requirements.

Skills

Hydrometallurgy

Fluid flow

Mass transfer

Reaction kinetics

Percolation leaching

Biometallurgy

Process modelling

Machine learning

Data-driven modelling

Publication record

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

BScEng / BEng undergraduate degree

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Chemical Engineering

Listing reference: minte_000441

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 14 August 2026

Position summary

Industry: Scientific, Research & Development

Job category: Laboratory Work

Location: Randburg

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Chemical Engineering. The candidate will be responsible for conducting research in chemical and biological percolation leaching, contributing to the development and optimisation of innovative metallurgical processes for the treatment of low-grade ores and mine wastes. Working within a multidisciplinary research team, the candidate will undertake experimental and theoretical studies to improve process understanding, support the development of predictive models, and contribute to technology development and scale-up.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Conduct experimental and theoretical research on percolation leaching processes (heap and vat leaching), including hydrodynamics, mass transfer and reaction kinetics.
• Design, execute and interpret laboratory-scale test work to improve process understanding and support technology development.
  Contribute innovative ideas and methodologies to advance percolation leaching and biometallurgical processes.
• Analyse experimental data and contribute to process modelling, prediction and optimisation of leaching performance.
• Prepare research proposals and contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and intellectual property development.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to collaborative research programmes.
  Plan and manage research activities in compliance with SHEQ requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a BSc(Eng) or BEng undergraduate degree (final thesis corrections accepted).
• Demonstrated experience in hydrometallurgy.
• Sound understanding of fluid flow, mass transfer and reaction kinetics in heterogeneous systems.
• Experience in percolation leaching (heap or VAT leaching) or biometallurgy will be advantageous.
• Experience in process modelling, machine learning or data-driven modelling will be advantageous.
• A publication record in peer-reviewed journals would be beneficial.

GRADE: AO3, SALARY PACKAGE: Negotiable

Successful candidates must arrange their own accommodation close to Mintek, and must make their own travel arrangements to get to Mintek. Candidates must be willing to undergo psychometric testing.

Mintek is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, whose aim is to promote representivity in all levels of occupational categories.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for planning and executing new and high impact research.
• Passion for research, technology development, and technology transfer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a stressful and demanding environment.
• Willing to travel locally and internationally.