Download document

Founded in 2017, the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) is the first and only centre of its kind in Africa. The centre is situated within the Wits Business School at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Its primary aim is to develop leaders in the energy industry and related fields who think and act strategically, equipped withthe necessary skills to face the challenges of a changing African energy landscape. This focus guides the centre’s research and educational initiatives.

In collaboration with the Chemical Industries Education & Training Sector Authority (CHIETA), under the Research Chair in the Green Hydrogen Economy, the AELC is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. We are seeking passionate individuals interested in developing their research in the Green Hydrogen Economy. Ideally, candidates should:**
 

• have an interest in expanding research interests in the Green Hydrogen Economy,
• be capable of understanding, predicting, and adapting to changes in energy supply and consumption from multiple sources.
• have the ability to model real-time impacts on energy systems and value chains of a wide range of factors, from technology disruption to climate change and changes in consumption patterns, and
• aim to deliver new insights into how emerging technologies like hydrogen can optimize and balance energy supply and demand, supporting South Africa’s growing population and addressing the stress on energy infrastructure.
   

The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship will be awarded through a competitive process that evaluates the candidate's academic achievements, potential for independent research, and their alignment with the criteria. The successful candidate will work full-time at the AELC, Wits Business School, for the duration of the contract.
 

Eligibility
 

• Doctoral degree in disciplines or subdisciplines of Energy Management, Natural Sciences (Environmental, Chemistry), Chemical Engineering, Economics, or related fields.
• The PhD should have been completed within the last five years.
• List of publications (or demonstrate ability to write and publish in peer-reviewed research journals).
• Establish a clear research agenda that addresses energy-related challenges in the Green Hydrogen Economy.
• Good oral and written communication skills, computer literacy, and the ability to contribute to the academic and research culture of the university.
• Ability to collaborate efficiently.
   

Duties
 

• Coordinate and carry out an industry-based research programme with a deeper understanding of the impact of technological change, regulatory lags, stakeholder engagement, environmental management, climate change, climate-based market interventions, and social instability on energy supply and demand.
• Create knowledge and research products that enhance understanding, assisting government, regulators, researchers, and the private sector in ensuring comprehension of Green Hydrogen. This includes producing research papers, articles, opinion pieces, conference and workshop presentations, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to teaching activities as required within the Centre’s Postgraduate programmes.
• Participate in teaching and supervise postgraduate students as required.
• Applicants should have access to, or be able to gather, the data relevant to inform decision-making in the industry.
• Utilise various software tools to facilitate informed decision-making in the sector.
• Collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders (industries) to promote advanced research within the industry.
  
  Submitted documents should include:
• A comprehensive and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae showcasing a history of publications and academic commitments.
• Certified copy of identity document or passport.
• Certified copies of qualifications.
• An outlined research agenda, aligned to the industry-specific research niche.
   

Duration:

• 12 months, with the possibility of extension depending on satisfactory performance and funding availability.
• The candidate must be available from 1st October 2026.
• The University will provide essential logistical resources for research and conference activities, an annual stipend of R300 000.00 (tax-free), and medical aid for the duration of the fellowship.

Enquiries can be directed to Dr Steven Mathetsa (steven.mathetsa@wits.ac.za) or Dr Goitsione Olifant (Goitsione.olifant@wits.ac.za).

Applications should be submitted to Ms Elizabeth Moshwane at Elizabeth.moshwane@wits.ac.za by 30 August 2026.