NWU
Description
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.
Requirements:
Town:
Potchefstroom
Position:
Senior Subject Specialist
Starting Date:
February 3, 2026
Date Created:
January 28, 2026
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.
Duties Include:
Introduction
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) | FACULTY OF ENGINEERING – HySA INFRASTRUCTURE | POSITION NUMBER: P003293 | VACANCY: SENIOR SUBJECT SPECIALIST | PEROMNES GRADE: 7 | EMPLOYMENT TYPE: FIXED-TERM APPOINTMENT WITH BENEFITS | NOTE: THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED NEED NOT RE-APPLY AS THE UNIVERSITY HAS YOUR APPLICATION.
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.
Additional Info:
REMUNERATION:
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines. International applicants must make arrangements for work authorization in RSA.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr. Tony Morgado on 018 285 2467
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mrs. Fadilha Minty on 018 299 4993
CLOSING DATE: 02 February 2026
PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible