Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity at the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC)

Illustrative Image: Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity at the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC)
Image Source & Credit: Wits Business School
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Empowering Africa’s Energy Future through Research, Innovation, and Leadership

Established in 2017, the African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) — based at the Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa — stands as a pioneering institution and the first of its kind on the African continent. The Centre’s mission is to cultivate a new generation of energy leaders who can think strategically, act decisively, and drive sustainable solutions for the rapidly evolving African energy landscape.

The AELC integrates research, education, and industry engagement to address Africa’s pressing energy challenges. Its initiatives focus on fostering innovation, shaping energy policy, and strengthening leadership capacity across the energy value chain — from traditional fossil fuels to renewable and alternative energy sources.

Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2026)

The AELC invites applications from highly motivated and visionary scholars for a postdoctoral research fellowship focused on energy systems and the upstream petroleum sector. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong grasp of the oil and gas industry, encompassing both onshore and offshore exploration and production activities, while maintaining an integrated understanding of how global trends – including technology disruptions, environmental transitions, and shifting consumption patterns – impact energy systems.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary and industry-relevant research that bridges science, engineering, economics, and policy. The successful candidate will contribute to AELC’s growing body of work that informs government, regulatory authorities, private sector actors, and academia on the pathways to achieving a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive African energy sector.

Key Focus Areas

Applicants should have the capacity and interest to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the oil and gas sector, including the dynamics of exploration, production, distribution, and market interactions.

• Model and analyze real-time energy systems, accounting for technological disruptions, policy interventions, and climate-induced market fluctuations.

• Investigate how the energy value chain can be optimized to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being in South Africa and the broader African region.

• Generate data-driven insights that inform energy infrastructure development, particularly in regions where existing systems are under stress.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Doctoral Degree (completed within the last five years) in a relevant discipline, including Energy Management, Natural Sciences (Environmental, Chemical, Earth, or Marine Sciences), Petroleum or Chemical Engineering, Economics, or related fields.

• Demonstrate a proven research record through publications or strong evidence of potential to publish in peer-reviewed journals.

• Present a clear and innovative research agenda aligned with AELC’s focus on energy sector transformation, particularly in the Oil and Gas Industry.

• Possess strong analytical, written, and communication skills, along with computer literacy and collaborative research experience.

Fellowship Duties and Expectations

The selected Postdoctoral Research Fellow will:

• Conduct industry-oriented research examining the impacts of technological change, regulatory evolution, stakeholder dynamics, climate change, and market interventions on energy supply and demand.

• Produce high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs, and conference presentations that contribute to the body of knowledge in energy leadership and management.

• Participate in postgraduate teaching and supervision within the Centre’s academic programmes, helping to mentor emerging scholars and industry professionals.

• Engage with stakeholders across academia, government, and industry to promote data-driven solutions and advance collaborative research initiatives.

• Utilize advanced modeling and simulation tools to support informed decision-making in the energy sector.

Fellowship Benefits and Duration

• Duration: 12 months, with the potential for renewal based on performance and available funding.

• Start Date: 1 January 2026.

• Support: The University of the Witwatersrand will provide essential research facilities, conference support, a competitive stipend, and medical aid coverage during the fellowship period.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:

1. A detailed curriculum vitae highlighting academic achievements, publications, and relevant research or professional experience.

2. Certified copies of academic qualifications and identification (ID or passport).

3. A motivational statement outlining the applicant’s research interests, alignment with AELC’s goals, and proposed research direction within the energy sector.

Submission and Enquiries

Application Deadline: 30 November 2025

Submit Applications To:
Ms. Elizabeth Moshwane
📧 elizabeth.moshwane@wits.ac.za

For Enquiries, Contact:
Dr. Steven Mathetsa – steven.mathetsa@wits.ac.za
Dr. Goitsione Olifant – goitsione.olifant@wits.ac.za

About the AELC

The African Energy Leadership Centre (AELC) is committed to shaping Africa’s energy future through leadership development, research excellence, and strategic industry engagement. It serves as a collaborative hub that brings together academia, government, and the private sector to co-create solutions that drive the transition toward cleaner, smarter, and more equitable energy systems.