Senior Subject Specialist (P003293) at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To provide strategic expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and digital twin development to advance HySA Infrastructure’s research on hydrogen recombination technology, hydrogen safety, and PEM water electrolysis.
• The position will build critical capacity in numerical modelling — a niche yet globally essential field — to enable predictive design, risk assessment, and performance optimisation of hydrogen systems.
• The candidate will strengthen NWU reputation in hydrogen R&D by leading high-impact CFD research, supervising postgraduate students, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing competitive digital simulation capabilities for the South African Hydrogen Road Map and international hydrogen projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advanced CFD Research & Development

• Lead CFD-based R&D for hydrogen recombination systems, PEM electrolysis, and hydrogen safety through technology development and demonstration (TD&D).

Research Publications & Academic Citizenship

• Publish research in accredited international journals and present findings at leading conferences, workshops and exhibitions.

Postgraduate Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise postgraduate students (MSc/PhD), guiding their research in numerical modelling and hydrogen safety/energy systems. Mentor junior researchers, contribute to team cohesion, and promote knowledge transfer.

Projects Development

• Collaboration with industry, national stakeholders, and international partners to establish HySA Infrastructure portfolio in CFD modelling for hydrogen systems.

Team Contribution & Capacity Building

• Contribute to interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research teams, ensuring numerical modelling supports experimental and applied projects. Contributing to public awareness on the subject.

Minimum requirements

• A doctor of philosophy in Engineering with Chemical Engineering (NQF level 10).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ post-doctoral experience in Hydrogen Energy.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in:
• CFD modelling, including turbulence, multiphase flows, mass and heat transfer, combustion, and reactive transport (Hydrogen-related experience would be an advantage). 
• Coordinating technical input across different disciplines and cultures and leading engineering projects to deliver outputs and objectives (students supervision experience would be an advantage). 
• Hydrogen safety, catalytic and electrochemical processes (PARs and PEM electrolysis).
• Experimental technics, including catalytic reactors, hydrogen detectors and gas analysers, flow controllers, etc.
• Publishing and communication with journal editors.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong experience in CFD codes such as Star-CCM , safety analysis, and numerical methods.
• Scopus H-index: at least 7.
• Expertise in safety validation (hydrogen safety in confined spaces would be an advantage).
• A drive to make a difference through decarbonisation and green hydrogen technology.
• Be qualified for NRF rating/or applied for.
• Proven track record for scientific papers review.
• Track record of supervising postgraduate students and publishing in international journals.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural team and disciplines.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills; ability to inspire students and junior researchers.
• Quick learner, excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Committed to NWU’s values of academic freedom, inclusivity, excellence, and research ethics.

Apply by: 26 December 2025