"Postdoctoral Researcher in Catalysis and Separation Chemical Engineering"

Location: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

Duration: 12–24 months, renewable based on performance

Start Date: 01-09-2025

Field: Catalysis, separation Chemical Engineering

The Applied Chemistry and Engineering Research center of Excellence (ACER CoE) at UM6P is seeking to appoint a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher possessing a strong academic foundation in catalysis/separation and chemical/process engineering. The successful candidate will significantly contribute to the conception, synthesis, and evaluation of separation/catalytic systems aimed at advancing sustainable chemical processes, including but not restricted to carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion, volatile organic compound (VOC) abatement, and hydrogen production/storage. The position requires proficiency in analyzing gas-phase reaction products utilizing gas chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, candidates should demonstrate comprehensive expertise in general material synthesis methodologies.

Candidate Profile:

• Hold a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Strong experience in separation sciences or heterogeneous catalysis and/or photocatalysis.
• Good expertise in the design of adsorption/catalytic reactors.
• Proficient in analytical techniques for adsorbent, catalyst, and product characterization.
• Knowledge of process modeling software (e.g., Aspen Plus, COMSOL, or equivalent) is a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.

Skills:

• Strong expertise in heterogeneous catalysis/adsorption fundamentals.
• Skilled in process modeling software.
• Proficiency in chromatographic and FTIR analytical techniques.
• Skilled in analytical methods for catalytic/separation agents materials characterization.
• Solid understanding of chemical kinetics principles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize adsorbent catalytic materials (e.g., heterogeneous catalysts, supported metal catalysts, photocatalysts).
• Design experimental setups for gas-phase and liquid-phase catalytic reactions.
• Conduct kinetic and mechanistic studies under realistic process conditions.
• Perform process simulations and scale-up assessments.
• Use advanced characterization techniques (XRD, BET, SEM, TPR, GC-MS, etc.).
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to scientific publications.
• Support the preparation of funding proposals and technical reports.