Senior Research Officer, Centre for Minerals & Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, EBE

Are you an experienced research officer specializing in flotation? The University of Cape Town (UCT), a leading higher education institution in Africa, invites you to join its dynamic Centre for Minerals Research (CMR) within the Department of Chemical Engineering.

UCT is known for its academic excellence, global reputation, and commitment to excellence, transformation, and sustainability. The Department of Chemical Engineering is internationally recognized for its teaching and research, with strong ties to South African and global industries.

About the Centre for Minerals Research (CMR)

The CMR is a vibrant, multi-disciplinary research hub within UCT’s Chemical Engineering Department. It fosters a stimulating environment for academics, researchers, and students. Our core research areas include comminution, classification, flotation, and process mineralogy. We also focus on transferring our research and technical skills to industry partners.

About the Role: Senior Research Officer (Flotation)

We are looking for a dynamic Senior Research Officer to lead advanced research in flotation circuit optimisation. This key role involves expert-level circuit modelling and simulation, conducting industrial plant surveys, and facilitating technology transfer to our industry partners. You will also supervise and mentor postgraduate students and graduate metallurgists, fostering strong collaborative relationships across academic and industrial fields.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead modelling and simulation flotation research within the Centre for Minerals Research.
• Develop and present proposals for industry-funded research and technology transfer projects.
• Manage laboratory-based contract research projects.
• Facilitate technology transfer and build strong collaborations with industry partners.
• Organise and deliver mineral processing training courses for industry professionals.
• Supervise and mentor student research projects.

Requirements for this Position

• Master’s degree in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering.
• At least 3 years of industrial experience in mineral processing.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a flotation research environment.
• Proven ability to analyze and mass balance survey data, and to model-fit and simulate flotation circuits using software like JKSimMet, JKSimFloat, IES, Excel, and Python.
• Ability to plan, execute, and manage circuit surveys of mineral processing flotation concentrators.
• A strong track record of developing industry research project proposals.
• Evidence of publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
• Demonstrated experience in student research supervision.

Salary and Benefits

The annual cost of employment for 2025, including benefits, is R1,147,460.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit the UCT Careers site to create a profile and submit your application. You will need to complete and attach the following documents:

• UCT application form (download at https://forms.uct.ac.za//hr201.doc)
• A 1-2 page letter of motivation
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copies of your ID/passport and highest academic qualification
• Names and contact details (title, name, position, relationship, email, telephone number) of three referees.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments and deliver a presentation to the department. References may be requested at any stage of the selection process. The successful candidate will also be required to undergo pre-placement medical tests.

For inquiries regarding this position, please contact Mr. Ian Petersen at ian.petersen@uct.ac.za or 021 650 2163. Please note: Do NOT send or submit job applications/CVs to this email address.

Closing Date

Applications close on 23 September 2025.

Equity Statement

UCT is a designated employer committed to excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the University’s Employment Equity Plan, goals, and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups. UCT reserves the right not to appoint.