Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Tshwane University of Technology
A new post‑doctoral research job is open at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). The role is in the Department of Electrical Engineering and is part of the SARChI Chair on next‑generation telemanipulation and teleoperation. If you just finished a PhD and love working with digital twins, mechatronics, or advanced control systems, this is a chance to join a team that builds cutting‑edge technology for industry, schools, and research labs. The position starts in 2026 and is funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF).
What the job is about
You will work on projects that turn real mechanical and electronic systems into virtual copies, or “digital twins.” These twins help people design and test machines without having to build them first. The fellowship also covers research into mechanical system design, virtual reality (VR) tools, and controlling remote industrial machines. Think of a robot arm in a factory that you can control from your own home—those kinds of projects.
Areas of work you can pick
- Digital Twins – Model and control a single component, an entire machine, or even a network of machines.
- Mechanical Design and Simulation – Build virtual models of parts or whole systems, especially if you know how to use VR.
- Telemanipulation – Apply the above skills to help people operate heavy or dangerous equipment from a safe distance.
If you have already worked in any of these fields, you are a good fit.
Who can apply
- You need a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Electrical Engineering (focus on electronics or control).
- You must have earned your doctorate in the last five years.
- PhD graduates from 2023, 2024, or 2025 will get extra consideration.
What the fellowship pays
- R320,000 a year (backed by the NRF).
- R50,000 bonus if you produce more than the required number of research papers or projects each year.
What you must send
- A detailed CV that lists all research papers, patents, or design projects you’ve completed.
- Copies of your degrees and certificates that are certified.
- If you earned your PhD abroad, a SAQA evaluation certificate that shows the degree is equivalent to a South African one.
- A copy of your ID or passport that is certified.
- A one‑page research proposal that explains the project you want to do and how it connects to digital twins, VR, or mechanical design.
Make sure everything is clear and in order before you send it.
How to send your application
Email all the documents to: dus@tut.ac.za
Label each file clearly – for example “CV.pdf” or “Proposal.pdf.”
Finish the application by 31 January 2026. Anything after that or missing files will not be reviewed.
Who to contact
Prof S. Du – Tel: +27 12 382 5385
Why TUT is a great place for postdocs
- The university focuses on real world research that helps businesses and schools.
- You’ll have access to state‑of‑the‑art labs for building and testing.
- You’ll join a nationally funded research team under SARChI.
- The culture is friendly and supportive – you’ll find people ready to help you grow.
Ready to apply?
If this sounds like your next step, put together your CV, proposal, and other required papers and email them to dus@tut.ac.za before 31 January 2026. This is your chance to work on cool tech that could change how industries operate and how we learn about engineering. Good luck!