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

Job Summary

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. A Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) will support research and other activities as specified by the Hosting entity. The Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme aims to provide opportunities for postdoctoral candidates to conduct innovative research, publish, and increase knowledge in the specified expertise.

Key Responsibilities

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• To place DUT at the forefront of research and innovation
• To investigate the occurrence, fate, transport and removal of microplastics and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in wastewater treatment plants, receiving waters and reuse streams.
• The work will also examine interactions between microplastics, co-contaminants and microbial communities (the plastisphere), including the role of microplastics as carriers of contaminants of concern.
• Design and execute high-quality, independent research within the specified focus area
• Develop and apply robust sampling, extraction and analytical protocols for microplastics and emerging contaminants in complex environmental matrices.
• Evaluate the performance of conventional and advanced treatment processes in removing microplastics and CECs.
• 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
• Collaborate in the preparation of grant proposals, technical reports and project documentation, including engagement with industry, municipal and government stakeholders.
• 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 interact with other academics and post-doctoral fellows
• 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.

Requirements

VALUE PER ANNUM

• R300 000 per annum (tax-exempt stipend), subject to confirmation of funding.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental or Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemical or Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field (degree must have been awarded within the last 5 years)
• Demonstrated experience in the sampling, extraction and characterisation of microplastics and/or emerging contaminants in water, wastewater or sludge
• Hands-on experience with relevant analytical techniques (e.g., FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, Py-GC/MS, SEM-EDX, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS)
• Strong understanding of the fate and transport of contaminants in wastewater treatment processes and the aquatic environment
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed, accredited journals related to said focus area
• Candidates must not have held a previous Post-Doctoral Fellowship at DUT
• Must below 40 years of age or younger at the time of application.
• Experience with wastewater treatment processes, including advanced treatment technologies (e.g., membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, adsorption)
• Prior experience in microplastics protocol optimization and identification using advanced instrumentation
• Experience in mathematical modeling of the fate of emerging contaminants in different water bodies along with lab work.

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.

Remuneration & Benefits

• DURATION OF TENURE: 2 years Contract, but renewable annually, subject to evidence of progress and availability of funding.
• CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS: 30 October 2026
• POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP START DATE: as soon as all conditions of appointment are met.
• CONTACT PERSON: Prof. NP Zungu
• 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
• 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.