Senior Researcher: Hydrogen Infrastructure Technologies R & D

Posted by:
North-West University

Posted date:
05-Jun-08

The North-West University (NWU) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have recently been appointed by the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) to co-host a Centre of Competence in Hydrogen Production, Storage and Distribution (Hydrogen Infrastructure.) This Centre of Competence is a key component of the South African Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technologies Research and Development Strategy. An exciting opportunity exists for an expert, in the field(s) of hydrogen production (especially electrolysis), storage and distribution as well as fuel cell technologies, to provide scientific guidance and leadership to the Centre of Competence, create an environment for technology transfer, mentor graduate students and grow the group in line with the DST's, NWU's and CSIRs vision for this Frontier Science and Technology Initiative.

The Hydrogen Infrastructure Centre of Competence will have strong collaboration with relevant national and international research partners and institutions.

Minimum qualifications and experience

PhD in the Natural Sciences or Engineering

At least 5 years experience in the field of hydrogen and/or fuel cell research and development with a strong emphasis on electrochemical processes

At least 2 years experience as a leader of a research group

A track record of publications in high impact journals

Candidates without a PhD, but with at least a masters degree together with substantial applicable experience, may also apply

General requirements

A proven performance record in the form of peer-reviewed publications, integration with the international research community and demonstrated ability to conduct research independently and within multi-disciplinary teams, will be essential. A good understanding of the potential application of the research outputs to the development of the South African economy will be an advantage.

The candidate's ability to network and operate across organisational boundaries will be critical to the success of the Centre. The job will have minimal operational or administrative responsibilities; the candidate must be passionate about pursuing a research and development career and making a significant contribution to science and technology.

Two appointments will be, initially for at least three years, but renewable for an additional term subject to the outcome of a performance review. One appointment will be based at the Potchefstroom campus of the North-West University, South Africa, which is located in the university town of Potchefstroom one and a half hours drive from Johannesburg. Potchefstroom is located in the North-West province of South Africa, which is locally also known as the platinum province as the majority of the worlds platinum is mined and produced here. A second appointment will be based at the CSIRs campus in Pretoria.

Should you be interested and wish to contribute to the success of the NWU/CSIR and a major national initiative of the DST, then please submit your CV, a list of publications and a letter of motivation (maximum three A4 pages) for the attention of Mr Christe de Wit, HR Director, by email to christe.dewitnwu.ac.za

Applications close on 31 July 2008.

By applying for this position at the NWU/CSIR, the applicant understands, consents and agrees that the NWU/CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or the relevant police service and may also verify the applicants educational qualifications and employment history.

Correspondence will be undertaken with short-listed candidates only.

The NWU/CSIR reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Remuneration

An internationally competitive remuneration package will be paid to the successful candidate.