Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – PEM Water Electrolysis Systems and Balance of Plant at North West University

The successful candidate will contribute to research and technology development with a particular focus on:

• Design, development, integration, and optimisation of PEM water electrolysis Balance of Plant (BoP) systems;
• Process design and system engineering of hydrogen generation plants, including water treatment, gas-liquid separation, hydrogen purification, thermal management, process instrumentation, and auxiliary systems;
• Development of process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), system layouts, and engineering documentation;
• Dynamic modelling, simulation, and optimisation of PEM water electrolysis systems under steady-state and transient operating conditions;
• CFD modelling using STAR-CCM for flow distribution, thermal management, multiphase flow, cooling systems, and BoP components;
• Development of automation, control, monitoring, and safety strategies for PEM water electrolysis plants, including PLC/HMI integration and industrial communication systems;
• System commissioning, troubleshooting, testing, validation, and performance evaluation of integrated hydrogen production systems;
• Techno-economic assessment, reliability analysis, and optimisation of PEM water electrolysis systems for commercial deployment.

Minimum requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, or a closely related field (awarded within the last five years).
• Demonstrated research experience in PEM water electrolysis, hydrogen technologies, process engineering, or related electrochemical energy systems.
• Strong understanding of process engineering principles, hydrogen plant design, instrumentation, process control, and industrial safety.
• Experience in process simulation and engineering software, with CFD modelling using STAR-CCM considered a strong advantage.
• Experience with industrial automation systems, PLCs, HMI/SCADA environments, and data acquisition. Familiarity with the Siemens automation environment will be considered a strong advantage.
• Experience with hydrogen generation systems, gas handling, compression, purification, storage, or refuelling infrastructure will be considered an advantage.
• Familiarity with GreenLight Innovation test stations and hydrogen system commissioning will be considered a strong advantage.
• Strong publication record and excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary and international research team.

Apply by: 24 July 2026