About the position
Introduction
Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Chemical Engineering. The candidate will be responsible for conducting research in chemical and biological percolation leaching, contributing to the development and optimisation of innovative metallurgical processes for the treatment of low-grade ores and mine wastes. Working within a multidisciplinary research team, the candidate will undertake experimental and theoretical studies to improve process understanding, support the development of predictive models, and contribute to technology development and scale-up.
Duties & Responsibilities
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
- Conduct experimental and theoretical research on percolation leaching processes (heap and vat leaching), including hydrodynamics, mass transfer and reaction kinetics.
- Design, execute and interpret laboratory-scale test work to improve process understanding and support technology development.
Contribute innovative ideas and methodologies to advance percolation leaching and biometallurgical processes. - Analyse experimental data and contribute to process modelling, prediction and optimisation of leaching performance.
- Prepare research proposals and contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and intellectual property development.
- Mentor junior researchers and contribute to collaborative research programmes.
Plan and manage research activities in compliance with SHEQ requirements.
APPLICATIONS
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae, including academic records, research experience, publications and R&D outputs.
- Copy of doctoral certificate (or letter from the university confirming meeting of Ph.D. requirements).
- Cover letter motivating the application.
- Two (2) reference/support letters (one must be from the Ph.D. supervisor).
GRADE: AO3, SALARY PACKAGE: Negotiable
Successful candidates must arrange their own accommodation close to Mintek, and must make their own travel arrangements to get to Mintek. Candidates must be willing to undergo psychometric testing.
Should you not hear from us within one (1) month of the closing date, consider your application to be unsuccessful.
Mintek is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, whose aim is to promote representivity in all levels of occupational categories.
Desired Experience & Qualification
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a BSc(Eng) or BEng undergraduate degree (final thesis corrections accepted).
- Demonstrated experience in hydrometallurgy.
- Sound understanding of fluid flow, mass transfer and reaction kinetics in heterogeneous systems.
- Experience in percolation leaching (heap or VAT leaching) or biometallurgy will be advantageous.
- Experience in process modelling, machine learning or data-driven modelling will be advantageous.
- A publication record in peer-reviewed journals would be beneficial.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
- Team player who enjoys variety and has a strong affinity for planning and executing new and high impact research.
- Passion for research, technology development, and technology transfer.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a stressful and demanding environment.
- Willing to travel locally and internationally.
