Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – PEM Water Electrolysis Stack and Components

The HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence (CoC)at the North-West University (NWU) Faculty of Engineering South Africa invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowto join its internationally recognised research programme on PEM water electrolysis.

The successful candidate will contribute to research and technology development with a particular focus on:

• PEM water electrolyser stack design development and optimisation;
• Electrochemical performance evaluation and advanced characterisation techniques including Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)and Distribution of Relaxation Times (DRT)analysis;
• CFD modelling using STAR-CCM of flow fields transport phenomena thermal management and stack components;
• Development and optimisation of materials components and manufacturing processes;
• Understanding selection and optimisation of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA)materials for membranes catalyst layers and ionomer formulations;
• Catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) fabrication and coating process optimisation;
• Supply chain development and localisation of PEM water electrolysis technologies.

• PhD in Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrochemical Engineering Materials Science or a closely related field (awarded within the last five years).
• Demonstrated research experience in PEM water electrolysis or closely related electrochemical technologies.
• Strong understanding of PFSA-based materials including membranes and ionomers used in PEM electrochemical devices.
• Experience with electrochemical testing and characterisation including EISand DRTanalysis.
• Experience with CFD modelling using STAR-CCM and scientific data analysis.
• Hands-on experience with ultrasonic coating systemsand other coating equipmentfor catalyst layer and CCM fabrication will be considered a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with GreenLight Innovationtest stations and the Siemens automation environment(PLC/HMI) will be considered a strong advantage.
• Strong publication record and excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary and international research team.

The fellowship provides an opportunity to conduct research in state-of-the-art hydrogen laboratories collaborate with leading national and international partners publish in high-impact journals and contribute to the development and commercialisation of next-generation PEM water electrolysis technologies.

The initial appointment will be for a period of two years with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

Interested candidates should submit:

• A detailed CV;
• A list of publications;
• A brief statement of research interests;
• Contact details of at least two academic referees.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Enquiries and applications:

Prof. Dmitri Bessarabov
Director HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence (CoC)
Faculty of Engineering North-West University
Email: