Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), through its Faculty of Engineering and Research Directorate, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2024/2025). The fellowship focuses on the innovative application of electro precipitation (EP) for the removal of heavy metals and emerging contaminants in industrial wastewater treatment.
Closing Date: 29 August 2025
Location: Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Fellowship Value: R300,000 per annum (tax-exempt)
Duration: 1 year (renewable for a further year based on performance and funding availability)
Fellowship Focus Area
The research will address the challenges of heavy metals and emerging contaminants in industrial wastewater. The project aims to:
- Optimize EP operational parameters (electrode material, current density, reaction time, pH).
- Test removal of contaminants including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and pharmaceutical residues.
- Conduct laboratory-scale experiments with synthetic and real wastewater.
- Use advanced analytical techniques such as ICP-OES, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and FTIR.
- Assess energy efficiency, sludge generation, and water reuse potential.
Key Performance Areas
- Initiate, conduct, and manage research projects.
- Draft project proposals and grant applications in environmental pollution control.
- Design experiments, generate high-quality data, and interpret results.
- Publish at least two manuscripts per year in DHET-accredited journals.
- Monitor, evaluate, and report on research projects.
- Present findings through conferences and publications.
- Co-supervise postgraduate students and collaborate on circular economy initiatives.
- Establish research partnerships and networks.
Minimum Requirements / Eligibility
- PhD in Chemical Engineering or related applied sciences (earned within the last 5 years).
- Specialisation in wastewater treatment technologies, industrial wastewater remediation, and/or waste valorisation for circular economy.
- South African citizens or permanent residents will be prioritised.
- International fellows must hold a Section 11(1)(b) Visitor’s Visa for academic activities.
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed ISI journals.
- Must not have held full-time permanent academic or professional employment.
Recommendations
- Experience in postgraduate student mentorship.
- Passion for research and a proven research track record.
- Knowledge of software for experimental design.
- Experience with analytical instruments (GC-MS, HPLC).
Competencies
- Strong literature review and publication writing skills.
- Computer literacy and data interpretation.
- Excellent communication (oral and written).
- Ability to work independently and in teams.
- Organisational and project management skills.
Fellowship Value
- R300,000 per annum (tax-exempt).
- Awarded for one year, renewable for another year based on performance and funding.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted by 29 August 2025 to:
📧 Ms S.N Masondo – hr.engineering@mut.ac.za
Applications must include:
- Motivation letter addressing eligibility and requirements.
- Certified copy of ID document.
- Curriculum Vitae with list of publications, conference papers, and scholarly outputs.
- Certified copies of doctoral degree certificate.
- Names of three contactable referees.
- Academic transcripts.
- SAQA evaluation certificate (if qualifications were obtained outside South Africa).