"Multiple Postdoctoral Positions in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Hydrometallurgy, Minerals Engineering, and Environmental Science"

Job Description

The Institute of Science, Technology & Innovation (IST&I) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for multiple PostDoc positions to undertake research in the area of expertise related to:

• Organic chemistry
• Polymer Science
• Hydrometallurgy
• Minerals engineering
• Environmental Science

Subject 1: Design and synthesis of inorganic materials for heavy metals remediation

This project aims to develop advanced inorganic materials exhibiting excellent properties for further application as adsorbents and membrane materials for the demetallization of wastewater and phosphoric acid, and the recovery of valuable metals. These materials will be synthesized from industrial byproducts through chemical and thermal procedures.

Subject 2: Design of new polymer-based materials and functionalized resins

This project will focus on the sustainable synthesis of functionalized biosourced polymers sourced from agricultural waste biomasses for potential utilization as adsorbents for wastewater decontamination and as coating materials for fertilizers. The project will also include the synthesis of functionalized ion-exchange resins for metals extraction.

Subject 3: Development of efficient and cost-effective additives through sustainable organic synthesis

This project focuses on the design and synthesis of innovative organic and inorganic formulations, with the aim of developing specific additives for the demetallization of phosphoric acid. Additionally, other specific ligands will be synthesized including flotation collectors, defoamers and deodorisers. For this purpose, various organic and inorganic ligands will be synthesised and analysed using advanced characterization techniques (NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, …).

Subject 4: Beneficiation and demetallization of phosphate rock

This project will mainly focus on the beneficiation and demetallization of phosphate rock using flotation and selective leaching. Different synthesized selective flotation agents and lixiviants will be applied to enhance the quality of the phosphate rock to meet the quality requirements of the market.

Subject 5: Hydrometallurgical separation of metals

This project will be dedicated to the development of selective and cost-effective hydrometallurgical separation techniques for metals production including the extraction and the precipitation using organic and inorganic counter-ions. Specifically, the project will establish the speciation cartography of metals with different mineral and organic counter-ions in different media.

Candidate Criteria

The candidates should be strongly self-motivated, keen to innovate, and can work well in an interdisciplinary research environment, and with rigorous work ethic. He/she should be able to deliver outputs (group meetings, scientific publications, presentations, and the dissertation) in the targeted timeframes, and according to the international standards of excellence.

Other specific criteria include:

• PhD degree in organic chemistry, polymer science, hydrometallurgy, minerals engineering, environmental science or other related fields from a recognized University;
• Proven research experience in the mentioned areas of expertise and related subjects;
• Good publication record in high-impact journals;
• Willingness to learn how to generate new ideas, links, and to build upon existing ideas to generate good concepts and solutions;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English language;
• Ability to participate in training and supervision of graduate students, development of teaching materials,
• Enthusiasm and passion toward solving challenging problems that require complex creative solutions;
• Very good knowledge and excellent experimental skills in preparation and characterization of organic/inorganic materials (NMR, XRD,GC-MS FTIR, SEM, TGA, ICP…) are expected.

Application and Selection Process

Applications must be submitted online; the folder must contain:

• A cover letter detailing the candidate's motivation for applying to this position.
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
• Brief research statement.
• 3 references to be contacted directly by IST&I.