The Mineral Processing Division comprising Physical Separation, Flotation and Comminution Groups seeks to appoint a postdoctoral candidates to conduct research within the following areas (but not limited to):

·         Focus on process solutions for industry impact areas of water and energy efficiency and reduction in circuits.

·         Tailings retreatment process solutions.

·         Novel technology evaluation for low grade and complex ore bodies as well as fines and ultra-fines milling and classification.

·         Physical separation (gravity, magnetic and electrostatic separation) predictive modelling of circuits with the aim to scale up laboratory data to pilot plants and commercial operations.

·         Modelling and simulation of comminution circuits and plant audits and surveys data validation.

·         Evaluation of energy and/or water efficient technology for incorporation into comminution flowsheets.

·         Develop software tools and data models to improve the interpretation of mineralogical data (numerical, images).

·         Conduct advanced research on flotation processes, including reagent chemistry, surface chemistry, and mineral recovery.

·         Conduct various flotation tests such as bench roughers, cleaner & recleaner and lock cycle tests.

·         Investigate the adsorption mechanisms, zeta potential, thermodynamic, kinetics and hydrophobicity changes at the mineral/reagent interface.

·         Develop and test new flotation reagents and technologies for improved kinetics, selectivity and recovery.

·         Analyse experimental data using advanced techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopes (SEM), and surface tension measurements.

Key Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral Fellow will work under the direction of a senior researcher and is expected to carry out the following responsibilities:

·         Formulating ideas relating to technical projects, develop research questions, design experiments, identify problems, and evaluate and implement solutions.

·         Data collection, analysis, and modelling.

·         Presenting at high impact conferences nationally and internationally.

·         Participating in site visits, meetings, and workshops.

·         Producing high quality research publications (peer-reviewed articles, reports, book chapters, etc.)

·         Contributing towards the development of prototypes, processes, models, products

·         Writing research proposals.

·         Mentoring and supervising postgraduate students.

·         Building research collaborations nationally and internationally.

·         Contributing towards science engagement activities.

·         Supporting initiatives that promote the strategic goals and objectives of Mintek.

Minimum Qualifications:

A doctorate in one of the fields below:

·         Chemical Engineering

·         Metallurgical Engineering

Skills and experience:

• Excellent technical skills
• Good track record of research outputs and publications
• Good teaching and training skills (mentoring of postgraduate students)
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work and lead in both a team environment as well as an individual
• Professional recognition and registration is an added advantage.