Summary
The HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence (CoC), Faculty of Engineering at North-West University (NWU), South Africa, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in PEM Water Electrolysis. This exciting opportunity is ideal for researchers with expertise in electrochemical engineering, hydrogen technologies, materials science, or related fields who are passionate about advancing next-generation PEM water electrolysis technologies.
The successful candidate will work in world-class hydrogen research laboratories, collaborate with leading national and international partners, publish in high-impact journals, and contribute to the commercialization of innovative hydrogen energy technologies.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Research Fellow |
| Institution | HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence (CoC), Faculty of Engineering, North-West University (NWU) |
| Location | South Africa |
| Research Area | PEM Water Electrolysis, Hydrogen Technologies, Electrochemical Engineering |
| Duration | Initial 2-year appointment (extendable based on performance and funding) |
| Eligibility | PhD awarded within the last five years in a relevant discipline |
| Application Mode | |
| Last Date to Apply | Open until the position is filled |
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – PEM Water Electrolysis
Research Area
- PEM Water Electrolysis
- Hydrogen Technologies
- Electrochemical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Fuel Cells and Electrochemical Devices
- CFD Modelling
- Advanced Materials Development
- Catalyst-Coated Membranes (CCMs)
Location
HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence (CoC)
Faculty of Engineering
North-West University (NWU)
South Africa
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
- PhD must have been awarded within the last five years.
- Demonstrated research experience in PEM water electrolysis.
- Strong knowledge of PFSA-based materials, including membranes and ionomers used in PEM electrochemical systems.
- Experience with electrochemical testing and characterization techniques, including:
- Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
- Distribution of Relaxation Times (DRT) analysis
- Experience with CFD modelling using STAR-CCM+ and scientific data analysis.
- A strong publication record with excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an international multidisciplinary research team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with ultrasonic coating systems and catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) fabrication.
- Experience with GreenLight test stations.
- Familiarity with Siemens automation environments (PLC/HMI).
Job Description
The selected Postdoctoral Research Fellow will contribute to cutting-edge research and technology development in PEM water electrolysis, including:
- Design, development, and optimization of PEM water electrolyser stacks.
- Electrochemical performance evaluation and advanced characterization.
- CFD modelling of transport phenomena, thermal management, and stack components using STAR-CCM+.
- Development and optimization of materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
- Selection and optimization of PFSA materials for membranes, catalyst layers, and ionomer formulations.
- Fabrication and optimization of catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs).
- Support supply chain development and localization of PEM water electrolysis technologies.
- Publish research findings in leading scientific journals.
- Collaborate with national and international research partners.
- Contribute to the commercialization of next-generation hydrogen technologies.
Fellowship Benefits
- Access to state-of-the-art hydrogen research laboratories.
- Collaboration with internationally recognized researchers and industry partners.
- Opportunities to publish in high-impact journals.
- Participation in innovative hydrogen energy technology development.
- Initial 2-year fellowship with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit the following documents:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of publications
- Brief statement of research interests
- Contact details of at least two academic referees
Send your application via email to:
Prof. Dmitri Bessarabov
Director, HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence (CoC)
Faculty of Engineering, North-West University
Email: dmitri.bessarabov@nwu.ac.za
Last Date to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
