About HTMR: The High Throughput Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory (HTMR) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to accelerating scientific discovery through automation, digitalization, and high-throughput experimentation.
Starting date: 1st September 2026
Sodium-ion batteries are a growing technology and show promising potential for large scale applications. However, developing efficient positive electrode materials is a key factor in advancing this technology and promoting its use in practical applications. NaSICON (Natrium Super Ionic CONductor) materials have a 3D structure allowing the fast diffusion of sodium during the electrochemical reaction of charge/ discharge as well as good structural and thermal stabilities. This project targets the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical evaluation of P-based NaSICON-type materials as positive electrodes for sodium-ion batteries.
We are looking for an assiduous, ambitious, and engaged Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in chemistry of materials, materials science, electrochemistry, materials synthesis and battery research.
Key responsibilities:
- Synthesis of different P-based materials via the sol-gel and solvothermal methods with control over morphology, particle size, and composition.
- Material characterization using XRD, SEM, EDS, ICP, BET, TGA, FTIR, RAMAN spectroscopy, etc.
- Electrode preparation, battery assembly, and evaluation of the electrochemical properties versus metallic sodium using different testing techniques (GCPL, CV, GITT, EIS, etc.).
- Establishing relationships between the physical and chemical properties of P-based cathodes and their electrochemical performance in sodium-ion half-cell and full cell configurations.
- Performing advanced characterization using in-situ XRD, XPS, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and NMR to investigate material behavior and interfacial chemistry during synthesis and battery operation.
- Develop mechanistic understanding of cathode operation and degradation, identify pathways to improve the performance and safety of advanced electrochemical cells.
- Analyzing and interpreting experimental data and communicating findings through manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, presentations at scientific conferences, internal reports, group meeting presentations.
If this topic sounds interesting and you would like to hear more, please contact: Ms. Yousra Moukadiri (yousra.moukadiri@um6p.ma) or Prof. Aziam Hasna (hasna.aziam@um6p.ma)
Profile:
- Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in field of chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or equivalent.
- Required hands-on experience with sol-gel and solvothermal synthesis of cathode materials.
- Strong background in electrochemistry, including experience performing and interpreting galvanostatic testing of half-cells and full cells, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry, etc.
- Broad understanding of materials science concepts relevant to electrochemical systems, with the ability to apply insights from related research areas to solve battery materials challenges.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to model UM6P’s core values of impact, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
Keywords: P-based materials, positive electrode materials, sodium-ion batteries, synthesis, crystal structure, electrochemical properties.
Laboratory: High Throughput Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory (HTMR).
Project duration: 1 year
