Mintek

Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Listing reference: minte_000142

Listing status: Under Review

Apply by: 25 September 2023

Position summary

Industry: Mining & Quarrying

Job category: Metallurgist

Location: Randburg

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: No

Introduction

An exciting career opportunity exists at Mintek for Post-Doctoral Fellows. The incumbent will be responsible for providing a structured approach to fast track the professional development of recently qualified doctoral graduates. All suitably qualified and experienced candidates are invited to apply.

Job description

Mintek is South Africa’s national mineral research organisation and it is one of the world’s leading technology organisations with core competencies in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, bio-processing, mineralogical characterisation and assaying, measurement and process control, nanotechnology and advanced materials. These core competencies are supported by world-class and unique laboratory-, pilot- and demonstration-scale facilities such as minerals processing, smelting, heap leaching test-work, geo-mechanical and hydrodynamic testing, and cleanroom facilities.

The development of a capable workforce is at the core of Mintek’s Strategy 2030. Mintek is therefore intensively recruiting Postdoctoral Research Fellows as part of the targeted recruitment drive aimed at augmenting research capacity, expanding global research networks, and enhancing research outcomes.

Mintek Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme:

REF: Min/13/2023/PDP

Opportunity

The objectives of the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Programme are to augment existing research capacity, build new areas of competence, and expand local and global research networks by:

Providing a structured approach to fast-track the professional development of recently qualified doctoral graduates.
Building a strong pipeline of outstanding researchers who are driven by a culture of research excellence and a passion for a new inquiry.
Attracting researchers from diverse backgrounds, nationally and internationally.

Mintek is therefore inviting motivated and suitably qualified applicants who are interested in any of the areas of relevance to Mintek to apply for the positions of Postdoctoral Fellow. These opportunities are based in Randburg, South Africa. The successful candidates will be appointed on a three-year contract. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work with senior researchers and other ecosystem partners to conduct cutting-edge research that will advance the objectives of the organisation.

Focus areas:

Possible research areas include (but not limited to):

Focus on process solutions for impact areas of water and energy efficiency and reduction in circuits.
Novel technology evaluation for low grade and complex ore bodies.
Physical separation (gravity and magnetic separation) 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 surveys data validation.
Investigate the effect of flotation reagents in the re-circulation of plant water.

Extraction and refining of technology and energy metals from primary and/or secondary sources; develop cutting-edge fundamental and applied research in high-temperature process metallurgy, metal extraction, and recycling.
Develop membrane electrode assembly (MEA) R&D which will lead to product development and manufacturing.
Develop an online instrumentation used for the measurement of residual xanthate concentrate ion directly from flotation concentrate cells.
Develop a fault detection and diagnosis system; analyse data collected from our clients, train machine learning and statistical models to detect faults, and convert them into formal prototypes. Python, MATLAB, C or C# programming experience is advantageous.
Financial modelling and valuations; financial monitoring; sensitivity analysis and techno-economic assessment.
Modelling of complex flow systems encountered along the mineral value chain using continuum (CFD) and particle scale (DEM) numerical techniques in conjunction with more modern approaches like continuum granular flow formulations.
Develop software tools and data models to improve the interpretation of mineralogical data (numerical, images).

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.

Qualifications

A doctorate in one of the fields below:

Applied Mathematics (Computational / Numerical Methods)
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Chemistry (Analytical / Applied / Physical)
Computer Science
Engineering (Chemical / Electrical / Electronic / Mechanical / Metallurgical / Mining)
Geology (Mineralogy, Petrology, Applied Geology or Economic Geology)
Microbiology
Physics (Computational / Applied)

Skills and experience

Excellent technical skills
Good track record of research outputs
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.

Applications

Comprehensive curriculum vitae, including academic records and R&D outputs.
Copy of doctoral certificate (or letter from the university confirming meeting of Ph.D. requirements).
Cover letter motivating the application.
Two (2) reference/support letters (one must be from the Ph.D. supervisor).

YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED IF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE NOT SUBMITTED

Remuneration: Negotiable

Minimum requirements