Senior Subject Specialist (P003294) at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To conduct and partake in activities in line with HySA Infrastructure’s mandate aligned with DSTI and SANEDI. The activities related to research and development and ongoing commercialization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Catalyst development

• Design, synthesis, and optimization of novel catalytic materials for hydrogen energy applications.
• Scale up catalyst synthesis processes for pilot and potential commercial applications.

Physical characterization

• Perform advanced characterization using SEM/TEM, EDS, EELS, XRD, BET, chemisorption, and other relevant techniques.
• Analyze and interpret data to assess catalyst structure, morphology, and quality.

Research and development

• Conduct applied and fundamental research in hydrogen/oxygen recombination, catalytic hydrogen combustion, energy conversion, and hydrogen safety and storage.
• Design and implement experimental setups required for related studies.

Technology demonstration and prototyping

• Participate in the development and testing of hydrogen-related technologies.
• Support scale-up and testing of hydrogen-related technologies.

Project development, collaboration, and student supervision

• Develop project plans with clear milestones and timelines, coordinate with team members, and report progress to senior management.
• Collaborate with national and international partners/universities.
• Supervise postgraduate students and provide mentorship to interns or junior researchers.

Procurement, knowledge dissemination and reporting

• Source quotations and prepare purchase requisitions for laboratory consumables and equipment.
• Publish high-impact scientific papers, technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Prepare progress reports and deliverables.

Laboratory management

• Conduct routine lab inspections and ensure proper housekeeping and chemical waste management.
• Identify potential safety risks and report them for corrective action to the facilities manager.

Minimum requirement

• PhD in Chemical Engineering (NQF level 10).
• A certificate in Project Management (NQF level 5).

A minimum of three (3) years’ lead/contributor experience in:

• material science and catalyst development.
• physical characterisation.
• research and development in hydrogen-related technologies.
• data analysis.
• student supervision.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

• A minimum of three (3) years’ contributor experience in laboratory management.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ participant experience in national and international conferences, workshops and exhibitions related to technical aspects of hydrogen technology.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ post-doctoral research experience in Hydrogen Energy.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ contributor experience as a reviewer/scientific committee.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong technical writing and scientific reporting skills.
• Be qualified for NRF rating/or applied for.
• Experience of serving in Scientific Advisory Boards or similar, experience and proof or record in advisory capacity for SA NRF.
• Record of a solid collaboration with SA tertiary institutions.
• Scopus H-index: at least 7.
• Proven track records for scientific papers review.
• Proven research track record in material science, hydrogen/oxygen recombination, hydrogen safety, and hydrogen-related technologies.
• In-depth knowledge of catalyst synthesis techniques, including impregnation and related methods. Strong background in material science. Strong knowledge of inorganic and physical chemistry, and familiarity with nanomaterials and their applications.
• Proficiency in advanced analytical characterization tools such as SEM/TEM, EDS, EELS, BET, XRD, and chemisorption.
• In-depth knowledge of hydrogen/oxygen recombination, passive autocatalytic recombination technology, and energy conversion.
• Proficiency in experimental data analysis, interpretation, and visualization. Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory safety protocols. Familiar with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Actively involved in conferences, workshops, and public awareness initiatives aligned with the DSI and HySA Infrastructure objectives, at both local and international levels.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong critical thinking skills with keen attention to detail.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork in multidisciplinary environments.
• High standards of ethical integrity and professional conduct.
• Excellent time management, with a strong sense of accountability and responsibility.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Commitment to continuous learning and informed decision-making.

Apply by: 26 December 2025