The University of the Witwatersrand’s African Energy Leadership Centre, in collaboration with CHIETA, invites suitably qualified researchers to apply for the Green Hydrogen Economy Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026.
Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Closing Date: 30 August 2026
Postdoctoral Fellowship Location: Wits Business School, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Wits Green Hydrogen Economy Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
The African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School is offering one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship focused on the Green Hydrogen Economy.
The fellowship is offered in collaboration with the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority under the Research Chair in the Green Hydrogen Economy.
The successful candidate will conduct full-time research at the African Energy Leadership Centre and contribute to knowledge development, academic publications, postgraduate teaching and industry-based research.
The fellowship will begin on 01 October 2026 and will run for 12 months, with the possibility of an extension subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.
Fellowship Programme Overview
Institution: University of the Witwatersrand
Centre: African Energy Leadership Centre
School: Wits Business School
Research area: Green Hydrogen Economy
Number of positions: One
Contract duration: 12 months
Possible extension: Subject to performance and funding
Starting date: 01 October 2026
Annual stipend: R300 000, tax-free
Additional benefit: Medical aid
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Closing date: 30 August 2026
Application method: Email
About the African Energy Leadership Centre
The African Energy Leadership Centre was founded in 2017 and is based within Wits Business School.
The centre focuses on developing leaders and researchers who can respond strategically to Africa’s changing energy environment.
Its research and educational activities address energy leadership, policy, technology, energy markets, climate-related challenges and the future of energy systems on the African continent.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The fellowship is intended for researchers who want to expand their work in the Green Hydrogen Economy.
The successful fellow will contribute to research that improves understanding of:
- Green hydrogen technologies
- Energy supply and demand
- Energy value chains
- Technology disruption
- Climate change
- Environmental management
- Regulation and policy
- Stakeholder engagement
- Energy-system resilience
- Infrastructure pressures
- Market interventions
- Social and economic instability
The research should provide practical insights that may assist government, regulators, researchers and private-sector stakeholders.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant discipline or subdiscipline.
Relevant fields include:
- Energy Management
- Environmental Science
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Economics
- Natural Sciences
- Related energy, environmental or technical disciplines
The doctoral qualification must have been completed within the previous five years.
Academic and Research Requirements
Applicants should:
- Have completed a PhD within the last five years.
- Provide a list of publications.
- Demonstrate the ability to write for peer-reviewed research journals.
- Present a clear research agenda.
- Align the proposed research with the Green Hydrogen Economy.
- Demonstrate potential for independent research.
- Show strong academic achievement.
- Be able to contribute to the university’s research culture.
- Be available to work full-time at the African Energy Leadership Centre.
Desired Research Interests
Suitable candidates should have an interest in:
- Expanding research in the Green Hydrogen Economy.
- Understanding changes in energy supply and consumption.
- Studying multiple energy sources.
- Modelling real-time impacts on energy systems.
- Analysing energy value chains.
- Assessing technology disruption.
- Examining climate-change impacts.
- Understanding changing consumer behaviour.
- Investigating hydrogen’s role in balancing energy supply and demand.
- Supporting South Africa’s growing energy needs.
- Addressing pressure on energy infrastructure.
Research Agenda
Applicants must submit an outlined research agenda aligned with the industry-specific research niche.
The research agenda should clearly explain:
- The proposed research topic.
- The Green Hydrogen Economy challenge being addressed.
- The main research question.
- The proposed methodology.
- The data required.
- The expected research outputs.
- The potential value to industry and policymakers.
- How the research aligns with the African Energy Leadership Centre.
- How the research may support South Africa’s energy transition.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The successful fellow will be expected to:
- Coordinate an industry-based research programme.
- Conduct independent and collaborative research.
- Analyse energy supply and demand.
- Investigate the effects of technological change.
- Study regulatory delays and policy challenges.
- Examine stakeholder engagement.
- Research environmental-management issues.
- Assess climate-change impacts.
- Investigate climate-related market interventions.
- Analyse the effects of social instability on energy systems.
- Produce academic and industry-focused research outputs.
- Contribute to postgraduate teaching.
- Supervise postgraduate students where required.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
Research Publications and Knowledge Products
The successful candidate will be expected to create research and knowledge products that improve understanding of green hydrogen.
Outputs may include:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Research papers
- Industry reports
- Policy briefs
- Opinion pieces
- Conference papers
- Workshop presentations
- Academic presentations
- Stakeholder reports
- Research summaries
The fellow should be able to communicate complex research findings to academic, government and industry audiences.
Teaching Responsibilities
The successful fellow may be required to contribute to the African Energy Leadership Centre’s postgraduate programmes.
Teaching-related duties may include:
- Supporting postgraduate teaching.
- Presenting lectures or seminars.
- Assisting with course content.
- Facilitating academic discussions.
- Supervising postgraduate students.
- Providing research guidance.
- Supporting student research projects.
- Participating in academic workshops.
Data and Research Software
Applicants should have access to, or be able to collect, data relevant to decision-making in the energy industry.
The successful fellow may be required to use research and analytical software to:
- Model energy systems.
- Analyse energy data.
- Evaluate industry trends.
- Conduct statistical analysis.
- Examine energy supply and demand.
- Prepare visualisations.
- Support evidence-based decision-making.
- Develop research scenarios.
Applicants should state relevant software, modelling and data-analysis skills in their CVs.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The fellowship requires collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
These may include:
- Energy companies
- Government departments
- Regulators
- Academic researchers
- Research institutions
- Industry associations
- Environmental organisations
- Technology companies
- Private-sector partners
- Green hydrogen stakeholders
The fellow should be able to build professional relationships and communicate research findings effectively.
Skills and Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong research ability.
- Academic writing skills.
- Publication experience.
- Good verbal communication.
- Good written communication.
- Computer literacy.
- Data-analysis ability.
- Independent thinking.
- Collaborative ability.
- Project-management skills.
- Critical thinking.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Presentation ability.
- Time-management skills.
- Ability to work with industry stakeholders.
Fellowship Stipend and Benefits
The successful candidate will receive:
Annual stipend: R300 000, tax-free
The University will also provide:
- Medical aid for the duration of the fellowship.
- Essential logistical resources for research.
- Support for conference-related activities.
- Access to the academic and research environment at Wits Business School.
The advertisement does not specify additional allowances beyond the listed stipend, medical aid and logistical support.
Fellowship Duration
The initial fellowship period is:
12 months
The contract may be extended depending on:
- Satisfactory performance.
- Research progress.
- Availability of funding.
- Institutional requirements.
The successful candidate must be available to begin on 01 October 2026.
Selection Process
The fellowship will be awarded through a competitive selection process.
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Academic achievements.
- Research experience.
- Publication history.
- Potential for independent research.
- Quality of the proposed research agenda.
- Relevance to the Green Hydrogen Economy.
- Alignment with the fellowship criteria.
- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders.
- Contribution to the academic environment.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- A comprehensive and updated Curriculum Vitae.
- A list of publications.
- Details of academic and research commitments.
- A certified copy of an identity document or passport.
- Certified copies of qualifications.
- An outlined research agenda.
- Evidence of relevant research experience.
- Any additional information requested during the selection process.
The CV should clearly show:
- The doctoral qualification.
- The date the PhD was completed.
- Research interests.
- Publications.
- Conference presentations.
- Teaching experience.
- Postgraduate supervision experience.
- Research software skills.
- Relevant industry or stakeholder experience.
How to Apply for the Wits Green Hydrogen Economy Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
Applications must be submitted by email to Ms Elizabeth Moshwane.
Click here to apply for the Wits Green Hydrogen Economy Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
Submit applications to:
Email: Elizabeth.moshwane@wits.ac.za
Applicants should use a clear email subject line such as:
Application: Green Hydrogen Economy Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 – Full Name
The email should include:
- A comprehensive CV.
- Certified identity document or passport.
- Certified qualification copies.
- Publication history.
- An outlined research agenda.
Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Closing Date
Applications close on 30 August 2026.
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Applicants should submit their application early and ensure that all required documents are attached.
Fellowship Enquiries
Enquiries may be directed to:
Dr Steven Mathetsa
Email: steven.mathetsa@wits.ac.za
or
Dr Goitsione Olifant
Email: Goitsione.olifant@wits.ac.za
Applicants should use the enquiry contacts for questions about the research focus, eligibility or fellowship requirements.
Important Application Advice
Before submitting an application, confirm that:
- You completed your PhD within the last five years.
- Your qualification is in a relevant field.
- Your research interests align with the Green Hydrogen Economy.
- Your CV includes a full publication history.
- Your research agenda is clear and industry relevant.
- Your certified qualifications are attached.
- Your certified identity document or passport is attached.
- You are available to start on 01 October 2026.
- You can work full-time at Wits Business School.
- Your application is submitted by 30 August 2026.