Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainable Electrochemistry for Biomass Valorisation

Where we are - A presence in two provinces The NWU is a multi-campus university with a footprint across two provinces. The Mafikeng and Potchefstroom Campuses are situated in the North-West Province and the Vaal Triangle Campus is in Gauteng. The head office, known as the Institutional Office, is in Potchefstroom, situated near the Potchefstroom Campus. Who we are - A university that inspires innovation through diversity "Innovation through diversity" is the NWU's pay-off line and it describes the University perfectly. The NWU came into being on 1 January 2004 through the merger of two universities with very different histories, personalities and cultures: the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and the University of the North-West. The staff and students of the Sebokeng Campus of Vista University were also incorporated, adding further to the richness of our heritage. Today, five years after the merger, the NWU is recognised as one of the best-managed and most innovative universities in South Africa. As conveyed in our pay-off line, Innovation through diversity, we continue to celebrate and encourage multiculturalism, multilingualism and multinationalism. 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. Apply by: 14 September 2026