Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Smart Grid & Energy Systems

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Power Systems, Smart Grid and Distributed Energy Systems SANEDI Smart Grid Contract Research Project

About the Project The Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering (DEECE) in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), South Africa, invites applications from suitably qualified researchers for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. This position is funded through a contract research grant awarded by the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) under the Smart Grid Research Programme.

The project focuses on advancing smart grid technologies within the South African energy context.

Research areas include non-technical loss (NTL) detection, machine learning applications for power systems, distributed energy resource (DER) integration, electric vehicle (EV) charging impacts on grid stability, and artificial intelligence-driven load forecasting.

The successful applicant will be based at CPUT and will play a central role in producing research outputs, contributing to postgraduate student development, and fulfilling SANEDI’s human capital development reporting requirements.

Fellowship Details Stipend

R250,000 per annum (tax-free)

Duration

12 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance, funding availability, and institutional policy

Start Date

As soon as possible (targeted: June 2026)

Location

Department of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering. Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, South Africa

Nature of Appointment

Fellowship (contract-based). This is not a permanent employment position.

Fellows may not hold concurrent paid full-time employment.

Key Responsibilities •

Conduct original research in smart grid technologies, with a focus on non-technical loss detection, DER integration, EV charging impacts on voltage stability, and AI-driven load forecasting

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Contribute to the production of peer-reviewed journal publications and conference proceedings

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Assist in the preparation of technical progress reports and deliverables submitted to SANEDI

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Co-supervise postgraduate students (Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral level)

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Manage research activities and datasets associated with the fellowship

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Participate in project meetings, seminars, and stakeholder engagements as required

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Contribute to the broader research agenda of the Smart Grid research group within DEECE Produce a minimum of 2 research output units during the contract period

Minimum Requirements • • • •

PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related field. The PhD should ideally have been awarded within five years prior to the commencement of the fellowship, as per the CPUT Postdoctoral Fellowship Policy Demonstrated knowledge of smart grid technologies, power systems analysis, or machine learning applications in electrical engineering Experience with data analysis, programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, etc.), and the use of simulation or modelling tools (e.g., DIgSILENT PowerFactory etc.)

Ability to work independently and produce high-quality research outputs within project timelines.

Application Process To apply, please submit the following documents in a single PDF to the contact Mrs P Panda (email: PandaP@cput.ac.za): •

Cover letter and personal statement: indicating your research interests, motivation for applying, and how your skills and experience align with the project requirements

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A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including a full list of publications and their DOI A minimum of two reference letters (maximum three) from previous supervisors or academic employers, including their full contact details

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Doctoral degree certificate Copy of academic transcripts

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Copy of South African identity document (or valid passport for non-South African applicants)

Closing Date for Applications: 08 May, 16:00 Please note: This is a fellowship appointment (contract-based) and does not constitute permanent employment. Fellows are not permitted to hold any other paid full-time employment during the fellowship period. The fellowship is subject to CPUT’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Policy and funding availability. CPUT reserves the right not to make an appointment.

CPUT is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to transformation and diversity.