Postdoctoral Fellow Sustainable Energy Jobs in Durban

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in its Institute of Systems Science, under the SARChI Chair on Sustainable Energy and Industrial Efficiency, in Durban. This is a research fellowship for a recently qualified doctoral graduate who wants to work on sustainable energy for underserved communities, and the closing date is 30 October 2026, so interested applicants need to move quickly.

About the company and the work

The employer is the Durban University of Technology, and the fellowship sits in the Institute of Systems Science, under the SARChI Chair on Sustainable Energy and Industrial Efficiency. The research aims to develop, validate and pilot a deep Multi-Task Learning plus Reinforcement Learning framework that classifies community suitability, predicts demand and renewable output, and recommends cost-reliable, low-carbon energy mixes for underserved communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a South African pilot study. The stated objectives are foundational data and sustainable classification, demand and renewable output forecasting, reinforcement learning for the optimal energy mix, and techno-economic, socio-economic and policy and standards integration. The advert is open to both internal and external applicants. Please note that this is a different fellowship from the DUT data science and artificial intelligence fellowship in Durban, which sits in a different institute and carries a different reference number and closing date.

Role details and duties

The fellowship programme aims to give postdoctoral candidates the chance to conduct innovative research, publish, and build knowledge in the stated field. The fellow is expected to:

• Help place DUT at the forefront of research and innovation, and generate and transfer new knowledge and skills.
• Publish high-quality research outputs in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings and other recognised platforms, contributing to the visibility and impact of the SARChI Chair and the Institute of Systems Science.
• Develop new lines of inquiry that expand on the SARChI Chair, and initiate innovative approaches to global challenges in energy, environment and industrial systems.
• Interact with other academics and postdoctoral fellows, and promote national and international conference attendance and the presentation of research papers.
• Develop knowledge for stakeholders such as government, business, industry and social communities.
• Conduct independent and collaborative research within the SARChI background.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with faculty, students and external partners.
• Mentor postgraduate students, giving guidance in research design, methodology and publication.
• Support grant writing and project development, helping to secure external funding and contributing to the sustainability of the SARChI and Institute research programmes.

The fellowship is a contract position based in Durban. The tenure is 2 years, renewable annually, subject to evidence of progress and availability of funding, and the start date is as soon as all conditions of appointment are met. The advert states a value of R320,000 per annum (tax-exempt stipend), subject to confirmation of funding, plus a research cost of R50,000. The advert reference is 208316, and the contact person is Prof. NP Zungu. The closing date is 30 October 2026.

Requirements

The original advert states the following eligibility criteria:

• Must hold a PhD awarded within the last five years in a relevant discipline such as Systems Science, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to conduct independent research, evidenced by a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
• Proven skills in systems modelling, optimisation, sustainability, artificial intelligence, or emerging technologies, with the ability to work across disciplines.
• Must not have held a previous Postdoctoral Fellowship at DUT.
• Commitment to advancing knowledge that addresses global challenges in energy, environment and industrial systems, with potential for real-world application.
• Ability to work effectively in teams, mentor postgraduate students, and engage with diverse stakeholders including government, industry and social communities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to share research findings with both academic and non-academic audiences.
• Must be 40 years of age or younger at the time of application.

The successful applicant will be required to publish a minimum of 2 research output units per annum in DHET, ISI or IBSS accredited outlets, abide by DUT policies, rules and procedures for postdoctoral fellows as well as codes of conduct, and carry out other duties consistent with a postdoctoral fellowship.

Where to find and apply safely

The original vacancy is listed on Careers24, and the Apply button on this page links directly to that original advert. Applications are received only via the DUT Career Portal, and 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, a valid passport and working visa (required from successful international researchers only), a medical certificate (required from successful international researchers only, and not required for South African citizens and permanent residents), and two reference letters, one of which must be from the doctoral supervisor. Always apply through the original listing, and be cautious of anyone who asks you for money in exchange for a job, an interview or a placement, as a genuine employer will never charge you a fee to apply.

Practical tips

Because this advert closes on 30 October 2026, check the original advert first to confirm it is still open before you spend time preparing documents. Make sure your CV and publication list show your doctorate date, your systems modelling, optimisation or artificial intelligence experience, and any work on energy or sustainability. Ask your doctoral supervisor for a reference letter early, and gather your certified transcripts and certificates in advance so the portal submission is not held up.

How the process works

Click the Apply button on this page to open the original Careers24 advert and follow the application instructions there, submitting your documents through the DUT Career Portal. The University reserves the right not to appoint, and preference will be given in terms of the University Equity Plan. Only shortlisted candidates are normally contacted, so keep a copy of everything you submit.

Important information

This post is for information only. We are not the employer and we do not handle applications, shortlisting or appointments. All decisions rest with the Durban University of Technology, and the original advert remains the authoritative source for the closing date, the stipend and the eligibility rules, so please confirm every detail there before you apply.

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