SUSMAT Post-Doc in Development of Multifunctional Hydrogels for Agricultural Applications

More than just a traditional academic institution, UM6P is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model.

In its research approach, the UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions for developing up to date science and at continent level in order to address real challenges.

All our programs run as start-ups and can be self-organized when they reach a critical mass. Thus, academic liberty is promoted as far as funding is developed by research teams.

The research programs are integrated from long-term research to short-term applications in linkage with incubation and start-up ecosystems.

About SUSMAT:

The Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat - RC) is a multidisciplinary research center engaged in the development of advanced biobased products and materials thereof using biotechnological, physical and chemical conversion strategies and engineering processes (b) understanding and controlling their underlying specific functionalities and the structure-properties relationship acting over multiple length scales from the molecular, nano to the macro level and their cross-interactions and (c) utilizing the gathered knowledge and the invented materials to address key technological challenges in Morocco and African continent and assist the transition toward a green and circular economy.

Job Description:

The Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMaT-RC) at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) invites applications for two Post-Doctoral Fellow positions to work on a collaborative project with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) under the supervision of Professor Youssef Habibi. The project focuses on developing multifunctional bio-sourced hydrogels for agricultural applications. The research aims to convert locally abundant biomass into high-added-value components, incorporating them with fertilizers and/or bio-based additives through sustainable pathways. The successful candidate will conduct rigorous testing to ensure system performance, collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, and travel to the United States for short-term work assignments.

Position Requirements:

• Ph.D. degree in Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science and Engineering, or related areas.
• Hands-on experience in hydrogel formulation, (bio)polymer processing, and the development of porous materials (design, fabrication, and characterization).
• Proficiency in analytical, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques.
• Proven experience in supervising students (undergraduate, master's, and doctoral).
• Ability to maintain detailed experimental records and draft technical reports, research papers, and conference presentations.
• Demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently within an interdisciplinary research group.

Criteria of the candidate:

• PhD in the subject discipline with a relevant experience as a postdoctoral researcher.
• Proven ability to perform multidisciplinary research and contribute to funded research programs, including writing proposals and seeking external funding.
• Excellent organizational skills, time management, and task prioritization.
• Good English communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential.
• Strong focus on achieving quality outputs.

Application and Selection

The application folder must contain:

• Detailed CV.
• Cover letter along with a synthetic presentation of the background, research works, projects and activities, publications, key achievements.
• Research and teaching plans, entrepreneurial ideas and concepts if any, and services to UM6P community.
• One-page statement addressing how your skills benefit this role and why you are interested in this position.
• Contact information of 3 referees