Postdoctoral Fellow

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM INTERESTED PERSON(S) FOR THE

UNDERMENTIONED POSITION. THE ADVERT IS OPEN TO BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL APPLICANTS

DST/NRF SARChI Chair in Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP

BACKGROUND

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) invites applications from passionate, high-achieving and results-oriented researchers for appointment as Postdoctoral Fellows. Successful candidates will undertake research within the DST/NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Wastewater Treatment and Reuse. The aim is to investigate the design, operation and optimisation of biological treatment processes for domestic and industrial wastewater. Areas of interest include activated sludge systems, Anammox process, aerobic granular sludge, anaerobic treatment and digestion, and decentralised or non-sewered treatment systems.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We, therefore, seek candidates who will fulfil the following objectives:

• To place DUT at the forefront of research and innovation.
• To generate new knowledge and transfer knowledge and skills.
• To provide an opportunity to promising young researchers from different universities to enhance their research skills and expertise.
• To expand on existing research and ideas and to pursue new lines of research
• To develop knowledge for stakeholders such as the government, business, industry, and social communities.
• To promote national and international conference attendance by post-doctoral fellows and the presentation of research papers at these conferences.
• Design and execute high-quality, independent research within the specified focus area.
• Set up, operate and monitor laboratory- and pilot-scale bioreactors, and conduct full-scale plant assessments in collaboration with municipal and industry partners.
• Analyse process performance using standard wastewater parameters (e.g., COD, BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus species, solids) and kinetic and stoichiometric evaluation.
• Apply process modelling and/or molecular methods to link treatment performance with microbial community structure and function.
• Disseminate research outcomes through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international conferences.
• Mentor and support postgraduate (MSc and PhD) students, contributing meaningfully to the Chair's broader academic and research community.

KEY DETAILS

1. VALUE PER ANNUM: R300 000 per annum (tax-exempt stipend), subject to confirmation of funding

1. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Civil (Water/Environmental) Engineering, Wastewater Microbiology, or a closely related field (degree must have been awarded within the last 5 years)
• Demonstrated research experience in biological wastewater treatment processes (e.g., activated sludge, biological nutrient removal, anaerobic treatment, membrane bioreactors or biofilm systems)
• Practical experience in operating bioreactors and in wastewater sampling and analysis
• Sound understanding of the process engineering and/or microbial principles underpinning biological treatment (e.g., nitrification, denitrification, enhanced biological phosphorus removal, methanogenesis)
• Candidates must not have held a previous Post-Doctoral Fellowship at DUT or any other university.
• Must be 40 years of age or younger at the time of application.
• Experience with wastewater process modelling and simulation tools (e.g., ASM models, BioWin, GPS-X, SUMO)
• Experience in wastewater microbiology and molecular techniques (e.g., qPCR, metagenomics and transcriptomics) and with full-scale wastewater treatment plant operation, process troubleshooting or optimisation
• Proficiency in R, Python, MATLAB or similar tools for data analysis, statistics and visualisation

The successful applicant will be required to

• Publish a minimum of 2 research output units per annum in DHET/ISI/IBSS accredited
• Abide by DUT’s policies, rules and procedures for post-doctoral fellows as well as codes of conduct.
• Carry out other duties consistent with a post-doctoral fellowship.

1. DURATION OF TENURE: 2 years contract, but renewable annually, subject to evidence of progress and availability of funding.

1. CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS: 30 October 2026

1. POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP START DATE: as soon as all conditions of appointment are met
2. CONTACT PERSON: Prof. NP Zungu
3. APPLICATION PLATFORM: Applications will be received only via DUT Career Portal.

APPLICATIONS Should include

• A full Curriculum Vitae
• Official certified academic transcripts of all degrees and the corresponding certified copies of the degree certificates
• A certified copy of the identity document details page or passport details page
• Valid Passport and Visa (required from successful international researchers only)
• Medical certificate (required from successful international researchers only; not required for SA citizens and SA permanent residents)
• Two reference letters, one of which must be from the Doctoral Supervisor

Please note

The University reserves the right not to appoint. While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be given in terms of the University’s Equity Plan.