University Of Fort Hare Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Fort Hare Institute of Technology Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The University of Fort Hare, through its Fort Hare Institute of Technology and the Department of Postgraduate Studies and Postdoctoral Fellowships, is offering an exciting Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. This is a fixed-term contract for a 24-month period, running from 2026 to 2028.

The successful Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) will play a crucial role in a program dedicated to the characterization and fabrication of large area perovskite solar cells. These innovative solar cells are intended for use in community gardens, contributing to sustainable energy solutions in local communities.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Doctoral Degree:
• Preferably completed a doctorate in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field within the last five years, from a higher education institution in South Africa or abroad.
• If the doctoral degree has not yet been conferred, a written statement from the Registrar (or equivalent) of the issuing University is required. This statement must confirm that all University requirements for a doctoral degree were satisfactorily fulfilled at the time of application, and include details of the qualification and expected graduation date.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the research areas mentioned in the responsibilities section.
• Publications: A proven track record of publications in DHET accredited journals.
• Employment Status:
• May not be in the employment of the University of Fort Hare (including Time on Task) at the time of taking up the postdoctoral fellowship.
• May not be employed by any other institution or company during the postdoctoral fellowship period.
• Nationality: Open to candidates of any age, gender, or nationality, subject to the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs for foreign applicants.
• Preference: Preference will be given to South African female applicants.

Key Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be responsible for the following key performance areas and expected outcomes:

• Model and optimize La₂₋ₓSrₓNiMnO₆ perovskite device performance using SCAPS-1D software.
• Synthesize Sr-doped LNMO (La₂₋ₓSrₓNiMnO₆) using spin coating, with a focus on achieving bandgap tuning by optimizing Sr concentration.
• Develop a robust methodology for creating large area spectrally selective perovskite solar modules, utilizing industrial fabrication techniques.
• Characterize and evaluate the fabricated devices to assess their spectral selectivity and suitability for agrivoltaic applications.
• Produce spectrally selective perovskite solar modules capable of efficient energy generation while simultaneously supporting plant growth.
• Provide a scalable model for the deployment of next-generation agrivoltaic solutions in community settings.
• Achieve a minimum of 4 publications in DHET accredited journals based on the research conducted during the fellowship.
• Co-mentor postgraduate students within the research program.
• First-Year Expectation: Submit papers amounting to 2 units for review on the topic of their postdoctoral research.
• Second-Year Expectation: Have published (or have in-press) 2 units. All papers must be on the topic of the postdoctoral research, with details submitted to the PGS office by the end of each renewal year.

What the Work Involves

This Postdoctoral Research Fellowship offers a hands-on opportunity within a dynamic academic research environment. The successful candidate will primarily be based at the Fort Hare Institute of Technology, engaging in advanced research focusing on solar energy solutions. Day-to-day activities will involve laboratory work, including the chemical synthesis of materials using techniques like spin coating, and meticulous characterization of fabricated devices. A significant part of the role will also involve computational modelling using specialized software like SCAPS-1D to optimize device performance. The research is highly applied, with the ultimate goal of developing large-area perovskite solar cells specifically designed for community garden use, blending energy generation with agricultural needs. Beyond the lab, the fellow will contribute to academic discourse through publications and will gain experience in co-mentoring postgraduate students.

How to Apply

Please ensure all required documents are prepared and submitted by the deadline of 11 September 2026.

To apply, email the following documents to Mr. Mandilakhe Qelesile and copy Ms. Babalwa Solani:

• Email To: MQelesile@ufh.ac.za
• Copy To: BSolani@ufh.ac.za or postdoc@ufh.ac.za
• Subject Line: "Fabrication of large area Perovskite Solar Modules"

Required Documents:

• A motivation letter (1 to 2 pages) outlining your relevant expertise and experience.
• Your full Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a comprehensive list of research publications.
• Full transcripts of your most recent academic records, a copy of your doctoral degree certificate, and any other relevant certificates.
• A copy of your South African Identity Document (ID) or, for foreign applicants, a copy of your passport.

For any queries regarding this opportunity, you may contact Prof. E. Meyer via email at emeyer@ufh.ac.za.