Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Computational Sciences

University of Fort Hare; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 255,000 - 345,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Computational Sciences, focusing on wind energy technologies, AI/ML, CFD, and advanced optimisation.

The position supports development of wind turbine systems and mini-grid design, with ZX Wind LiDAR resource assessment for onshore and offshore applications. The role spans 24 months and aims for high-impact publications.

Qualifications

• PhD completed within last five years.
• PhD in Renewable Energy, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or closely related field.
• Experience in wind energy systems, wind resource assessment, and renewable energy mini-grid design and performance optimisation.
• Experience in CFD, AI, ML, and numerical modelling for wind energy applications is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research on advanced wind energy technologies for low-wind-speed energy harvesting.
• Develop, model, and optimise wind turbine systems using CFD, AI, ML and advanced optimisation techniques.
• Conduct wind resource assessment and characterisation using ZX Wind LiDAR for onshore and offshore applications.
• Design, construct, install, and evaluate wind energy augmentation systems (ducted, shrouded, concentrator, diffuser, INVELOX) for horizontal- and vertical-axis turbines.
• Contribute to design and optimisation of renewable energy mini-grid systems.
• Contribute to research productivity of the research group and postgraduate students.
• Produce a research publication unit of 2.0 per annum with the host.

Skills

CFD

AI

Machine learning

Wind energy

Education

PhD in Renewable Energy/Mechanical/Mechatronics/Aerospace/Electrical Engineering/Applied Physics

Tools

ZX Wind LiDAR

CFD software

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Computational Sciences

30 Sep 2026 - 9 Oct 2026

Fixed Term Contract

EC000837

Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape

DEPARTMENT OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

(On behalf of the Department Computational Sciences)

Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2028 (24-month period)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Computational Sciences under the discipline of Physics at the University of Fort Hare, under the supervision of Prof Patrick Mukumba. The fellowship forms part of an active research programme focusing on advanced wind energy technologies, with particular emphasis on low-wind-speed energy harvesting, including ducted wind turbine systems, concentrator-diffuser augmented wind turbines (CD-AWTs), INVELOX systems, shrouded wind turbines, and other innovative wind energy concepts. The research programme also encompasses offshore wind resource assessment, offshore wind turbine innovation, wind resource characterisation using ZX Wind LiDAR technology, and the design and optimisation of renewable energy mini-grid systems. A strong emphasis is placed on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), digital modelling, and advanced optimisation techniques to improve wind resource assessment, turbine design, system performance, and decision-making for next-generation wind energy technologies.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Applicant must have completed doctoral degree within the last five years.
• Must have graduated with a PhD in Renewable Energy, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.
• Should have demonstrated expertise in wind energy systems, wind resource assessment, and renewable energy mini-grid design and performance optimisation.
• Experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and numerical modelling for wind energy applications will be a distinct advantage

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO:

• Conduct innovative research on advanced wind energy technologies for low-wind-speed energy harvesting.
• Develop, model, and optimise wind turbine systems using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced optimisation techniques.
• Conduct wind resource assessment and characterisation using the ZX Wind LiDAR system for onshore and offshore wind energy applications.
• Design, construct, install, and experimentally evaluate innovative wind energy augmentation systems, including ducted, shrouded, concentrator, diffuser, and INVELOX-based technologies for both horizontal-axis and vertical-axis wind turbines.
• Contribute to the design and optimisation of renewable energy mini-grid systems integrating wind energy technologies.
• Contribute to the research productivity of the research group, postgraduate students as well as the Department.
• Must produce a research publication unit of 2.0 per annum with the host.

FELLOWSHIP VALUE AND DURATION

• The fellowship is valued at R300,000 per annum (tax-free).
• The initial appointment will be for 24 months, subject to the University's Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Policy.
• Renewal beyond the initial appointment period will be based on satisfactory performance and achievement of the required research outputs.

Closing Date: 09 October 2026

The University of Fort Hare is committed to employment equity and transformation. Preference will be given to suitably qualified South African citizens, particularly women, in line with institutional policies and strategic objectives.