Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainable Electrochemistry for Biomass Valorisation

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Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainable Electrochemistry for Biomass Valorisation

Listing reference: nwu_004612 Listing status: Online Apply by: 14 September 2026 Position summary Industry: Education & Training Job category: University and Academy Location: Potchefstroom Contract: Fixed Term Contract Remuneration: Market Related About our company NWU Introduction NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) | FACULTY OF ENGINEERING – CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN CARBON-BASED | VACANCY: POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN SUSTAINABLE ELECTROCHEMISTRY FOR BIOMASS VALORISATION | EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FIXED-TERM APPOINTMENT Job description

Introduction

The Centre of Excellence in Carbon-Based Fuels at the North-West University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in sustainable electrochemistry. The research programme has a primary focus on the electrochemical upgrading of biomass-derived materials, including bio-oil and lignin, into value-added chemicals and fuels, while also encompassing related research in electrocatalysis, electrochemical conversion and electrochemical reactor development. Applications are invited from highly motivated researchers with a strong background in electrochemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry or a related discipline. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research group with access to multiple electrochemical reactor systems, comprehensive analytical facilities and established international collaborations. The fellowship provides an excellent opportunity to conduct high-impact research, publish in leading international journals, expand international research networks and develop an independent research profile.

Research focus and responsibilities:

The successful candidate will conduct and lead experimental research in sustainable electrochemistry, with a primary focus on the electrochemical upgrading of biomass-derived materials, including bio-oil and lignin, into value-added chemicals and fuels. Depending on the candidate’s expertise and the evolving research programme, the candidate may also contribute to related electrochemical conversion, electrocatalysis and electrochemical reactor-development projects. Experimental studies will be complemented by transport modelling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to elucidate mass-transfer limitations, gas-bubble dynamics, local pH gradients, and their influence on reactor performance.

Minimum requirements

• A relevant PhD degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science or a closely related discipline, obtained within five years before appointment as a postdoctoral fellow.
• Demonstrated experimental research experience in electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, electrochemical engineering, electrochemical conversion or a closely related field.
• A good publication record in peer-reviewed international journals.
• Strong experimental, analytical and scientific-writing skills.
• The ability to plan and conduct research independently, analyse and interpret experimental results, and prepare research outputs for publication.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• An interest in transport, multiphysics or computational fluid dynamics modelling of electrochemical systems would be advantageous.

SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY ENQUIRIES, KINDLY DIRECT THEM TO:

Dr. Saartjie Gouws – Saartjie.Gouws@nwu.ac.za

Prof Hein Neomagus – Hein.Neomagus@nwu.ac.za

CLOSING DATE: 14 September 2026

COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible.

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