The research pertains to ongoing work within the Power Systems Research Group (PSRG) in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering department at Stellenbosch University, in close collaboration with the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies. PSRG's focus areas include understanding sources of uncertainty and variability in the modern power system, developing appropriate energy and network models, and evaluating the associated techno-economic impacts. Additionally, the group endeavours to develop computational tools to support the planning and operations of power systems with high penetration of renewable energy resources.

The postdoctoral candidate will contribute to the research activities in energy modelling and grid impact assessment. The research results are expected to be published in high-impact factor journals and top international conferences. Limited mentoring and supervision of postgraduate students within the Power Systems Research Group will also be required.

The fellowship is available for one year and is renewable for a second year subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

•PhD (must have graduated within the last five years)
•Excellent communication skills in English (both written and verbal)
•Experience in one or more of the following fields: grid integration studies, hosting capacity analyses, hosting capacity regulations and policy, energy modelling, and load modelling.
•Familiarity with power system software such as DigSilent Powerfactory, Plexos, OpenDSS, or PandaPower
•Good programming command in MATLAB and Python
•Familiarity with South African grid codes, regulations and policies will be beneficial.

Application process: Send a letter of application, accompanied by a 2-page curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, a link to the candidate's PhD thesis, and the names and contact details of two referees, to Prof Bernard Bekker, bbekker@sun.ac.za

Please note that postdoctoral fellows are not appointed as employees, and their fellowships are awarded tax-free. They are therefore not eligible for employee benefits.

Host: Prof Bernard Bekker, SARChI chair in Power System Simulation, and Associate Director at the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Engineering Faculty, Stellenbosch University.

Commencement of duties: As soon as possible

This announcement invites master's graduates from the Global South with excellent academic track records and strong motivation to apply for a doctoral scholarship in "Sustainable Energy Entrepreneurship". We seek to engage a student from the Global South, who has a high interest in sustainable development and making a difference in the world. The students should focus on scaling and impact of sustainable enterprises in the context of the mini-grid sector, contributing to SDG 7 "Clean and Affordable Energy for all by 2030". The research is connected to the Living Labs established across the SEED Centers and collaborating partners.
The selected and awarded doctoral scholars will be enrolled at Stellenbosch University under the CRSES, with the possibility of co-supervision by Prof. Dr. Frank-Martin Belz, Director of the TUM SEED Center at TUM.

The SEED doctoral scholarship includes a monthly stipend, international mobility grants to TUM and other SEED partner universities, and research expenses, as well as covering participation in conferences. The duration of the scholarship program is 4 years, starting from 1st February 2026 to 31st January 2030.

SEED doctoral scholars are expected to:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the work as a doctoral student.
• Participate and contribute to the activities of the SEED Center (e.g., annual symposia).
• Engage in academic exchange (i.e., visit and collaborate with partner universities).
• Support the student initiative activities at the partner university.
• Submit progress reports as required by the TUM SEED Center and by Makerere University.
• Complete studies within stipulated scholarship period; failure to do so without sound reasons may
result in a demand for a refund.

• Master's degree in sustainable energies, business management (with a focus on entrepreneurship) or
related fields. The master's should have been obtained no more than six (6) years ago.
• Research or work experience at the intersection of management and sustainable energies.
• Excellent academic track record.
• Proficiency in English language
• Strong motivation, extracurricular skills, and social engagement.
• Nationality from one of the eligible countries in the Global South.

To apply, please complete your application on the Stellenbosch University website and fill in the attached link.

Please note that both steps are compulsory. Failure to complete either of the two will result in disqualification.

Applications close on the 31 October 2025.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tKksYBtZwgZpYBJPm_rvtD0V4qF3uSbgsu6th5kuY9Q 

Qualified women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Selection Commission of
the TUM SEED Center will make the final decision in line with DAAD criteria.

If you have any questions regarding the announcement, feel free to contact: crses@sun.ac.za