POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS

To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications

UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Closing date: 15th September 2026

The University of Zululand is a comprehensive university, established in terms of the Higher Education Act of 1997 (as amended) in South Africa, with its unique geographic location in the northern part of the KwaZulu Natal Province, where the uThukela River is a tourist attraction, and where the region – being flanked by coastal resources, industrial hub, vast natural resources that include a world heritage site, rural landscapes, mining, and agricultural activities – provides diverse opportunities for research and innovation.

One Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position is available in Water Infrastructure Research Chair, Engineering Department, University of Zululand invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow specializing in vibration-based condition monitoring and structural health/machinery diagnostics. The fellow will lead research on sensing, signal processing, and diagnostic/prognostic algorithm development for rotating machinery, structures, or mechanical systems in water treatment and pipeline reticulation networks, working within a funded research program and collaborating with industry or institutional partners as applicable.

Faculty and area requiring postdoctoral fellows

The University invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Fellowship positions in the following disciplines:

Core Functions
 Design and undertake research on vibration-based condition monitoring and structural health/machinery diagnostics.
 Lead research on sensing, signal processing, and diagnostic/prognostic algorithm development for rotating machinery,
structures, or mechanical systems in water treatment and pipeline reticulation networks, working within a funded research
program and collaborating with industry or institutional partners as applicable.
 Co-author high-quality publications in international journals or contribute to book chapters.
 Co-supervise postgraduate students.
 Present research findings at national and international conferences.
 Contribute to academic and intellectual duties.

Required Qualification
 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
 Demonstrated expertise or interest in vibration signal acquisition and analysis, including time-domain, frequency-domain,
and time-frequency (e.g., FFT, STFT, wavelet transform, Hilbert-Huang, envelope/demodulation analysis) techniques.
 Hands-on experience with condition monitoring instrumentation, accelerometers, proximity probes, strain gauges, acoustic
emission sensors, laser vibrometers, and associated DAQ systems.
 Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW for signal processing, algorithm development, and automation.
 Experience developing or applying machine learning / deep learning models for fault classification, anomaly detection, or
remaining useful life (RUL) prediction (e.g., CNNs, LSTMs, SVM, random forests) is strongly preferred.
 Solid theoretical grounding in structural dynamics, modal analysis, and rotor dynamics.
 Peer-reviewed publication record in related field.
 Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, manuscript preparation, and presentation to academic
and industry stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications
 Experience with finite element modeling (FEA) for correlating simulated and measured vibration responses
 Familiarity with digital twin development for predictive maintenance applications
 Experience or knowledge of wireless/IoT-based sensor networks or edge-computing implementations for real-time monitoring
 Experience with or knowledge of experimental modal testing (impact hammer testing, modal shaker rigs, operational modal
analysis)
 Background in statistical/probabilistic prognostics, Bayesian methods, or physics-informed machine learning
 Prior postdoctoral or industry R&D experience in reliability engineering, asset management, or predictive maintenance
 Experience mentoring graduate/undergraduate researchers and contributing to grant proposal writing.

The research fellowship shall provide an annual stipend of R300 000.00 per annum (tax free). The University has a competitive
publication unit remuneration policy which allows postdoctoral fellows to be remunerated for all publication units generated in excess of three units. The University also provides postdocs with limited logistical support for research and conference activities.

The deadline for application submission is 15th September 2026. The fellowship is tenable for a period of ONE year, starting
immediately, renewable based on performance and availability of funding.

Documentary requirements and submission process

All applicants should submit their full application by email, with supporting documents to Ms. T Mtetwa, email: MtetwaT@unizulu.ac.za
Documents should include:

 A completed application form, obtainable from the university website, as advertised under vacancies:
https://www.unizulu.ac.za/vacancies/
 Curriculum Vitae (updated and detailed), showing track record of publications and scholarly engagements
 Certified copies of your qualifications
 Certified copy of your ID or passport
 Motivation letter that provides an overview of relevant demonstrable expertise and experience Patents or other intellectual
property owned or generated – registered or unregistered (if applicable)
 Testimonial letter from two referees.
 Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Important note to applicants:

When sending your complete application, and supporting documents, via email, make the “subject line”: Postdoctoral Fellowship
Application Vibration & Condition Monitoring

Enquiries: Mr. Sabelo Zikalala ( ZikalalaS@unizulu.ac.za )

The deadline for application submission is 15 September 2026. The fellowship is tenable for a period of TWO years

South African scholars are encouraged to apply.

We wish you all the best with your applications