Founded in 2017, the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) is the first and only Centre of its kind in Africa. The Centre is located within the Wits Business School at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Its strategic aim is to develop leaders in the energy industry and related fields who think and act strategically and are equipped with the necessary skills to address the challenges of a changing African energy landscape, which is the primary focus of the Centre’s research and education.

The AELC invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. We seek a dynamic candidate interested in exploring the entire energy ecosystem, with a particular focus on Upstream Petroleum industry research activities (both Onshore and Offshore). Ideally, the candidate should:

• have a deeper understanding of the oil and gas sector,
• be able to understand, predict, and adapt to changes in energy supply and consumption from multiple sources.
• have the ability to model real-time impacts on energy systems and oil and gas sector value chains of a wide range of factors, from technology disruption to climate change and changes in consumption patterns, and
• be able to provide valuable new research on how the sector can be optimised and balanced for the well-being of
  South Africa’s growing population, where energy infrastructure is under significant stress.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship will be awarded competitively, based on the candidate’s academic achievements,
potential as an independent researcher, and the extent to which they meet the requirements. The candidate will be
based full-time at the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC), Wits Business School.

ELIGIBILITY

• Doctoral Degree in disciplines or subdisciplines of Energy Management, Natural Sciences (Environmental, Chemical, Earth, or Marine Sciences), Petroleum or 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 Oil and Gas Industry.
• 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.
• Produce and generate knowledge and research outputs that will improve understanding, enabling government, regulators, researchers, and the private sector to ensure energy supply is more resilient, responsive to customer demand, environmentally conscious, and cost-effective for consumers. These include the development of research papers, articles, opinion pieces, presentations at conferences and workshops, and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in teaching where necessary as part of the Centre’s Postgraduate programmes.
• Participate in teaching and supervise postgraduate students as required.
• Applicants should have access to, or be able to collect, the data relevant to inform decision-making in the industry.
• Use various software tools to support informed decision-making in the sector.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (industries) to facilitate advanced research within the industry.
   

SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS SHOULD INCLUDE:

• An updated and detailed Curriculum Vitae, displaying a track record of publications and scholarly engagements.
• Certified copy of identity document or passport.
• Certified copies of qualifications.
• An outlined motivation, aligned to the industry-specific research niche.

DURATION:

• 12 months with potential for extension based on satisfactory performance and subject to the Centre securing funding.
• The candidate should be available from 1st January 2026.
• The University will offer essential logistical resources for research and conference activities, a competitive stipend, 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 (elizabeth.moshwane@wits.ac.za) by 30 November 2025.