Senior Subject Specialist

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

Job summary

A South African university seeks a Senior Subject Specialist in Potchefstroom to provide strategic expertise in CFD and digital twin development in hydrogen research. You will lead impactful research and supervise postgraduate students, enhancing the university's reputation in hydrogen R&D. Candidates should have a PhD in Engineering and extensive experience in CFD modelling and hydrogen safety. This fixed-term contract offers competitive remuneration and is aligned with NWU policies.

Qualifications

• A minimum of three (3) years’ post-doctoral experience in Hydrogen Energy.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in CFD modelling.
• Experience in experimental techniques, such as catalytic reactors and hydrogen detectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead CFD-based R&D for hydrogen systems.
• Publish research in international journals and present findings.
• Supervise postgraduate students in numerical modelling.

Skills

CFD modelling

Hydrogen safety

Leadership skills

Problem-solving

Mentoring skills

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering

Tools

Star-CCM

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 – HySA INFRASTRUCTURE | POSITION NUMBER: P003293 | VACANCY: SENIOR SUBJECT SPECIALIST | PEROMNES GRADE: 7 | EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FIXED-TERM APPOINTMENT WITH BENEFITS | NOTE: THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED NEED NOT RE-APPLY AS THE UNIVERSITY HAS YOUR APPLICATION.

Job Description

Purpose of the Position

To provide strategic expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and digital twin development to advance HySA Infrastructure’s research on hydrogen recombination technology, hydrogen safety, and PEM water electrolysis. The position will build critical capacity in numerical modelling—a niche yet globally essential field—to enable predictive design, risk assessment, and performance optimisation of hydrogen systems. The candidate will strengthen NWU reputation in hydrogen R&D by leading high-impact CFD research, supervising postgraduate students, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing competitive digital simulation capabilities for the South African Hydrogen Road Map and international hydrogen projects.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced CFD Research & Development

• Lead CFD-based R&D for hydrogen recombination systems, PEM electrolysis, and hydrogen safety through technology development and demonstration (TD&D).

Research Publications & Academic Citizenship

• Publish research in accredited international journals and present findings at leading conferences, workshops and exhibitions.

Postgraduate Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise postgraduate students (MSc/PhD), guiding their research in numerical modelling and hydrogen safety/energy systems. Mentor junior researchers, contribute to team cohesion, and promote knowledge transfer.

Projects Development

• Collaboration with industry, national stakeholders, and international partners to establish HySA Infrastructure portfolio in CFD modelling for hydrogen systems.

Team Contribution & Capacity Building

• Contribute to interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research teams, ensuring numerical modelling supports experimental and applied projects. Contributing to public awareness on the subject.

Minimum Requirements

• A doctor of philosophy in Engineering with Chemical Engineering (NQF level 10).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ post-doctoral experience in Hydrogen Energy.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in:
• CFD modelling, including turbulence, multiphase flows, mass and heat transfer, combustion, and reactive transport (Hydrogen-related experience would be an advantage).
• Coordinating technical input across different disciplines and cultures and leading engineering projects to deliver outputs and objectives (students supervision experience would be an advantage).
• Hydrogen safety, catalytic and electrochemical processes (PARs and PEM electrolysis).
• Experimental technics, including catalytic reactors, hydrogen detectors and gas analysers, flow controllers, etc.
• Publishing and communication with journal editors.

Key Functional/ Technical Competencies

• Strong experience in CFD codes such as Star-CCM, safety analysis, and numerical methods.
• Scopus H-index: at least 7.
• Expertise in safety validation (hydrogen safety in confined spaces would be an advantage).
• A drive to make a difference through decarbonisation and green hydrogen technology.
• Be qualified for NRF rating/or applied for.
• Proven track record for scientific papers review.
• Track record of supervising postgraduate students and publishing in international journals.

Key Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural team and disciplines.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills; ability to inspire students and junior researchers.
• Quick learner, excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Committed to NWU’s values of academic freedom, inclusivity, excellence, and research ethics.

Remuneration

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines. International applicants must make arrangements for work authorization in RSA.

Enquiries

Job content enquiries may be directed to: Mr. Tony Morgado on 018 285 2467

Recruitment process enquiries may be directed to: Mrs. Fadilha Minty on 018 299 4993

Closing date: 02 February 2026

Planned commencement of duties: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must 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 Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

It all starts here ®