Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainable Electrochemistry for Biomass Valorisation at North West University

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