PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To conduct and partake in activities in line with HySA Infrastructure’s mandate aligned with DSTI and SANEDI. The activities related to research and development and ongoing commercialization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Catalyst development

• Design, synthesis, and optimization of novel catalytic materials for hydrogen energy applications.
• Scale up catalyst synthesis processes for pilot and potential commercial applications.

Physical characterization

• Perform advanced characterization using SEM/TEM, EDS, EELS, XRD, BET, chemisorption, and other relevant techniques.
• Analyze and interpret data to assess catalyst structure, morphology, and quality.

Research and development

• Conduct applied and fundamental research in hydrogen/oxygen recombination, catalytic hydrogen combustion, energy conversion, and hydrogen safety and storage.
• Design and implement experimental setups required for related studies.

Technology demonstration and prototyping

• Participate in the development and testing of hydrogen-related technologies.
• Support scale-up and testing of hydrogen-related technologies.

Project development, collaboration, and student supervision

• Develop project plans with clear milestones and timelines, coordinate with team members, and report progress to senior management.
• Collaborate with national and international partners/universities.
• Supervise postgraduate students and provide mentorship to interns or junior researchers.

Procurement, knowledge dissemination and reporting

• Source quotations and prepare purchase requisitions for laboratory consumables and equipment.
• Publish high-impact scientific papers, technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Prepare progress reports and deliverables.

Laboratory management

• Conduct routine lab inspections and ensure proper housekeeping and chemical waste management.
• Identify potential safety risks and report them for corrective action to the facilities manager.

• PhD in Chemical Engineering (NQF level 10).
• A certificate in Project Management (NQF level 5).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ lead/contributor experience in:

- material science and catalyst development.

- physical characterisation.

- research and development in hydrogen-related technologies.

- data analysis.

- student supervision.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

• A minimum of three (3) years’ contributor experience in laboratory management.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ participant experience in national and international conferences, workshops and exhibitions related to technical aspects of hydrogen technology.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ post-doctoral research experience in Hydrogen Energy.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ contributor experience as a reviewer/scientific committee.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong technical writing and scientific reporting skills.
• Be qualified for NRF rating/or applied for.
• Experience of serving in Scientific Advisory Boards or similar, experience and proof or record in advisory capacity for SA NRF. Record of a solid collaboration with SA tertiary institutions.
• Scopus H-index: at least 7.
• Proven track records for scientific papers review.
• Proven research track record in material science, hydrogen/oxygen recombination, hydrogen safety, and hydrogen-related technologies.
• In-depth knowledge of catalyst synthesis techniques, including impregnation and related methods. Strong background in material science. Strong knowledge of inorganic and physical chemistry, and familiarity with nanomaterials and their applications.
• Proficiency in advanced analytical characterization tools such as SEM/TEM, EDS, EELS, BET, XRD, and chemisorption.
• In-depth knowledge of hydrogen/oxygen recombination, passive autocatalytic recombination technology, and energy conversion.
• Proficiency in experimental data analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory safety protocols. Familiar with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Actively involved in conferences, workshops, and public awareness initiatives aligned with the DSI and HySA Infrastructure objectives, at both local and international levels.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong critical thinking skills with keen attention to detail.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork in multidisciplinary environments.
• High standards of ethical integrity and professional conduct.
• Excellent time management, with a strong sense of accountability and responsibility.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Commitment to continuous learning and informed decision-making.

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 REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO:          Mr. Tony Morgado on 018 285 2467

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mrs. Fadilha Minty on 018 299 4993

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                               26 December 2025                 

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:                                                   1 February 2026 

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.

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