Position Title:  Research Officer (3-year contract)

Requisition ID:  1430

Department:  Faculty of Eng & Built Env

City:  Cape Town

RESEARCH OFFICER (3-YEAR CONTRACT)

Catalysis Research Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

The Catalysis Institute in the Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of Cape Town has an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research and invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for this research post commencing as soon as possible.

The Department is deeply committed to advancing excellence in both teaching and research. The successful incumbent will be a dynamic, self-motivated and highly disciplined individual, capable of managing multiple concurrent responsibilities within a demanding, high-performance research environment.

The appointee will be expected to provide both expertise and technical support to research projects within the Syngas Research Group with a particular focus on Synthesis Gas catalysis, complex chromatography and operando catalyst characterisation and testing. The appointee will contribute to academic and industry-aligned research initiatives in thermocatalytic Synthesis Gas conversion and related reactions.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JOB:   

• PhD qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.

• At least 3 years’ experience in

• • A catalysis research environment with a focus on synthesis gas conversion.
  • Detailed product analysis using comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) chromatography.
  • Maintenance and upkeep of gas chromatography equipment.
  • The development and application of in situ Raman spectroscopy.

• An emerging research profile.

• Well-developed and professional interpersonal and communication skills.

• Effective time-management skills and the ability to organise, prioritise and multitask within a highly pressurised environment.

• Applicants are expected to contribute and develop a defined area of research which contributes to the Department’s current research foci.

THE FOLLOWING WOULD BE ADVANTAGEOUS:

• Experience in supervision of postgraduate and postdoctoral students.
• Evidence of peer reviewed journal papers and conference contributions.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Lead and support the application of two-dimensional chromatography and in situ Raman spectroscopy in academic and industrial projects.
• Conduct research with focus on thermocatalytic synthesis gas conversion.
• Provide support to and training for students and researchers conducting two-dimensional GC analyses and in situ Raman spectroscopy in catalytic energy applications.
• Present findings of academic research at local and international conferences and at meetings with funders and collaborators.
• Support visiting researchers from collaborating institutions.
• Mentor, supervise and co-supervise MSc and PhD students.
• Develop/expand research collaborations within UCT as well as nationally and internationally.
• Raise research funding, apply for grants from appropriate national and international funding bodies.

The annual cost of employment, including benefits for 2026, is between R 728, 042 and R 974, 126

To apply, please visit the UCT Jobs Site (www.jobs.uct.ac.za) to create a candidate profile and to submit your application.

Please complete and attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• A letter of motivation that speaks to your suitability for the role
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of your ID and relevant academic transcripts
• The names of three referees, including their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address, and telephone number.

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Mr Ian Petersen at Ian.Petersen@uct.ac.za or 021650 2163

Closing date:      31 July 2026  

Website:                

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups**.** Our Employment Equity Policy is available at www.hr.uct.ac.za/hr/policies/employ_equity

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email popia@uct.ac.za.

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.

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