Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Power Systems, Smart Grids, Renewable Energy, Natural Products Chemistry, Green Nanotechnology, Water Technology, and Agriculture at CPUT Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa

Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), South Africa, is advertising multiple postdoctoral research fellowship opportunities across several research areas. These include power systems, smart grids, renewable energy, natural products chemistry, green nanotechnology, membranes and advanced water technology, and agriculture.

The post was shared by Prof. Gulshan Sharma (Associate Professor, University of Johannesburg), who highlights that candidates in power systems, energy, smart grids, renewable energy, and related fields may contact Prof. Senthil Krishnamurthy as a potential host. The CPUT page also lists additional fellowship calls and research focus areas.

Research themes and opportunities:

- Natural Products Chemistry and Green Nanotechnology: work on isolation and characterisation of bioactive compounds, green synthesis of nanomaterials, and biological/industrial applications.

- Membranes and Advanced Water Technology: develop a triblock terpolymer nanofiltration membrane for nitrate removal from drinking water, including polymer synthesis, membrane fabrication, characterisation, and performance evaluation.

- Strategic Research Focus Area-aligned Postdoctoral Fellowships: host-led submissions in areas such as Bioeconomy and Biotechnology, Space Science, Engineering and Technology, Smart Energy, Environment/Climate/Sustainability, Human/Health/Social Dynamics, and the Digital Society.

- Agriculture: research in plant propagation, hydroponic systems, plant tissue culture, nanoparticles in agriculture, medicinal plants, and smart water resource management.

Eligibility highlights: Applicants generally need a PhD, and some calls specify that the doctorate must have been obtained within the past five years. Relevant publications and demonstrated expertise in the advertised field are expected. The strategic call requires submission by a CPUT academic host, research team, faculty, department, centre, institute, or research unit.

Funding: The calls are funded postdoctoral fellowships with tax-free stipends, including R180 000 for 12 months, R320 000 per annum for 12 months, R250 000 per annum for 12 months, and R18 000 per month for 10 months, depending on the specific fellowship.

Deadlines: 12 June 2026, 19 June 2026, 26 June 2026, and 29 June 2026 are mentioned across the different calls. The main strategic focus area-aligned submission deadline is 26 June 2026 at 16:00 SAST.

How to apply: Review the full advert or call document for the specific fellowship. Email the application to the named contact person or submit via the prescribed digital form for the strategic call. Use the exact subject line requested in the advert and apply before the relevant closing date.