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.

• 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 MAY BE DIRECTED TO:

Prof Kapil Moothi – Kapil.Moothi@nwu.ac.za

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:   

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.