University of the Witwatersrand Research Fellowship 2023 | R275 000 tax free stipend

An opportunity exists for a diligent and driven candidate to hold a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Witwatersrand’s Molecular Sciences Institute (MSI).

This position involves developing new electrocatalysts for alkaline water electrolysis with outstanding performance, scalability, affordability, and preferably recyclability.

A 12-month fixed-term appointment is available for this position.

It is highly likely that the project will be renewed for a second year, subject to budget availability and your demonstrated ability to complement the overall strategic direction of the project.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

1. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or another relevant field with a PhD degree obtained within the last 5 years is required.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Synthesis of nanomaterials, including polymerisation and ligand functionalization.
• Experience in electrochemical characterisation: cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear polarisation (LP), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
• The ability to operate and interpret chemical/physical characterisation techniques such as NMR, FT-IR, ATR, XRD, XPS, EDX, SEM, TEM, and AFM.
• Ability to identify structure-activity correlations of catalysts based on electrochemical and material characterizations.
• Documentation of research findings in peer-reviewed journals with a strong emphasis on peer-reviewed publications.
• Supervision, training, and transfer of knowledge/skills to MSc and/or PhD students.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• An experimental background in electrochemistry and/or electrocatalysis as well as a publication record in those fields.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to meet project milestones and scientific goals both collaboratively and independently.
• Worked efficiently under pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Good interpersonal skills.

• Language proficiency (English) to function optimally in Wits’ multilingual environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Research is the primary focus
2. Postgraduate supervision and Mentoring
3. Limited administrative tasks

REMUNERATION

A good quality medical aid program and a tax free stipend of R275 000 will be provided, along with a research stipend of R50 000.

CONTACT AND DOCUMENTS:

• CV and copy of degree certificate(s).
• (only 1 page), presenting a topic/gap you would like to work on, which is current, relevant, and will contribute to the project.

Email: [email protected]                                                      

Wits supports equal opportunities.

Closing date: 26 April or before (dependant if position is filled). Starting date: As soon as possible.