Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), located in Durban, South Africa, is offering an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship within the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences. The fellowship, focused on investigating higher-dimensional relativistic fluids in modified gravity theories, will span one year, from 2025 to 2026. This project promises to advance scientific knowledge by generating new exact solutions to the Einstein-Maxwell equations in higher dimensions, alongside exploring the dynamical behavior of gravitating fluids and the effects of higher dimensions in modified gravity theories.
Focus Area of the Fellowship
The primary focus of the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is the investigation of higher-dimensional relativistic fluids in modified gravity theories. This research will explore several important theoretical aspects of physics:
- Einstein-Maxwell Equations: The project aims to generate new exact solutions to these fundamental equations in higher-dimensional spaces, shedding light on unexplored aspects of gravitational fluid dynamics.
- Gravitating Fluids: Researchers will investigate how gravitating fluids behave in higher-dimensional space and how these dynamics affect gravitational models in modified gravity theories.
- Modified Gravity Theories: These theories aim to extend or modify general relativity to explain observed phenomena that cannot be fully accounted for by Einstein’s theory alone, such as dark matter and dark energy. The fellowship will focus on how higher dimensions influence these theories and their implications on physical phenomena like star formation and structure.
- Physical Phenomena: The research will look into the effects of higher dimensions on various physical phenomena, including the structure and mass of stars, one of the most intriguing aspects of astrophysical research.
This project presents a unique opportunity for a postdoctoral fellow to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of theoretical physics and relativity, particularly in areas that are not yet fully understood.
Key Performance Areas
The selected candidate will play an integral role in advancing the research objectives and will be expected to perform the following tasks:
- Publishing Research: The postdoctoral fellow will be required to publish manuscripts in reputable, DHET-accredited journals and peer-reviewed conference proceedings, contributing to the body of knowledge in relativistic fluids and gravity theories.
- Collaboration and Mentorship: Collaboration with other researchers and co-supervision of postgraduate students is a key aspect of the role. The fellow will also have the opportunity to collaborate with international scholars and research networks.
- Research Management: The fellow will be involved in the overall management and organization of the research project, including the development of new research ideas and coordinating research activities.
- Organizing Research Events: The fellow will have the opportunity to initiate or participate in research networks, collaborations, and institutional partnerships, as well as organize research events such as seminars, conferences, and workshops.
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for this Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Qualifications:
- A PhD in Applied Mathematics with a specialization in General Relativity, Mathematical Modelling, Differential Equations, or any closely related field.
- The PhD must have been obtained within the past five years.
- Candidates should have published at least two DHET-accredited journal articles within the last 24 months in areas related to the fellowship.
- Citizenship and Residency:
- South African citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. However, international scholars are also welcome to apply.
- International applicants must have a long-term visitor’s visa for academic activities affiliated with MUT.
- Candidates should reside in South Africa for the duration of the fellowship and should not hold full-time permanent academic or professional employment during the fellowship period.
- Skills and Competencies:
- Strong oral and written communication skills are essential.
- The fellow must have the ability to collaborate with other researchers and contribute meaningfully to a multidisciplinary research environment.
- An aptitude for independent research and a proactive attitude are necessary to succeed in this fellowship.
Stipend and Benefits
The successful candidate will receive a stipend of R300,000.00 per annum (tax-exempt) for the duration of the fellowship. This stipend will support the fellow’s living expenses while they dedicate their time to advancing the research project at Mangosuthu University of Technology.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates should send the following documents to the Department of Human Resources and Development at hr@mut.ac.za, with a copy to gumedeSC@mut.ac.za:
- A motivation letter detailing how the candidate meets the requirements of the fellowship.
- A completed application form (which can be downloaded from MUT’s official website).
- A current Curriculum Vitae.
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and academic records.
- Proof of professional registration with a relevant body (if applicable).
- A copy of the candidate’s valid driver’s license.
- Academic transcripts and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate (for qualifications obtained outside South Africa).
- The names of three contactable referees.
Enquiries: For more information, candidates can contact the department at (031) 819 9278.
Closing Date: Applications must be submitted by 2 May 2025.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Mangosuthu University of Technology offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to advance their knowledge and expertise in the exciting field of higher-dimensional relativistic fluids and modified gravity theories. If you have a PhD in Applied Mathematics and are passionate about contributing to cutting-edge research, this fellowship could be the ideal platform for you to shape the future of theoretical physics.
