The Department of Industrial Engineering focuses on the following areas of research to improve global competitiveness: Operations Research, Data Science in Industrial Engineering; Operations Management and Logistics; Advanced Manufacturing; and Engineering and Technology Management.

The successful candidate will be expected to keep abreast of the latest academic content and practical applications in the areas where they are deployed to ensure the relevance and sustainability of the department.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our dynamic team, dedicated to unravelling the complexities of dual-use item regulations and pioneering innovative compliance and risk management approaches. This fellowship is intended for a researcher who has obtained a PhD within the last five years in Industrial Engineering, Sciences or a related field with a focus on Exploring Dual-Use Item Regulations and Innovating Compliance Strategies and would like to explore the field further. Dual-use items are defined as “goods, software and technology that can be used for both civilian and military applications”. Several national and international export control regulations set out rules and procedures intended to regulate the export of these items that can have civilian use, but also be used for military purposes. The aim is to provide security for exporters of these items and prevent any proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Take the next step in your academic journey and make a meaningful impact on the intersection of science, policy, and ethics.

The term is for three years (R300,000 annually) subject to satisfactory progress. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to: Explore the nuances of national and international regulations governing dual-use items; Research to understand the impact of regulations on scientific endeavours;  Collaborate with interdisciplinary experts to develop novel compliance strategies and risk management frameworks;  Drive innovation by proposing solutions to mitigate regulatory challenges and promote responsible research practices; Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field through publications in leading journals.

Duties:

Research participation and support, publication of research papers, collaboration with researchers and postgraduate students, and co-supervision of postgraduate students.

Requirements:

A PhD in Industrial Engineering, Science and Technology or a related field, with a keen interest in navigating the dual-use regulatory landscape, foster compliance, and drive responsible innovation in research • An excellent academic record • A publication record with at least two articles in accredited journals, supported by publications in mainstream conference proceedings • Excellent analytical skills with a keen eye for detail • Good verbal and written communication skills.

Recommended:

Experience in collaborative research environments • Good organisational skills • Fluency in Afrikaans and English.

Commencement of duties: 1 July 2024 or as per agreement

Closing date: 31 May 2024

Enquiries: Prof Corne Schutte (corne@sun.ac.za) or Dr. Cornelia Malherbe at cvdm2@sun.ac.za

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of the staff corps, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Applicants should forward an application letter, comprehensive CV and 2 confidential reports by independent referees by the closing date directly to cvdm2@sun.ac.za.