HTMR - Post-Doctoral researcher position in Nanofertilizers and phosphate-based composites for Agronomic applications

About UM6P

Located at the heart of the future Green City in Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development. This unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high-quality academics and professionals in order to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech.

Description of HTMR entity

The High Throughput Multidisciplinary Research (HTMR) laboratory aims for an interdisciplinary, diverse and cross-cutting approach to an entrepreneurial ecosystem directly related to its industrial and socio-economic environment in Morocco and Africa. HTMR provides highly automated and parallel approaches to the development of new materials and processes. HTMR allows scientists from all UM6P research community to develop automated workflows that ultimately increase precision and efficiency and reduces the time and cost involved in their development pathways. The wide expertise developed by the researchers working at the HTMR, plays a pivotal link between the initial proof of concepts and the consolidation of the results and their viability. Thus, the validation is monitored through design of experiments and optimization of workflows much more rapidly than conventional approaches.

The HTMR is a 100% Applied Sciences research laboratory, and is setting up its first targeted research projects around:

• Metallurgy & anti-corrosion materials
• Phosphates, intelligent fertilizers, silicon, and fluoride-based materials
• Energy storage (Electrolytes, Electrodes...)
• Biomass/Biomaterials and Industrial By-Products
• Characterizations and analyses

Key responsibilities

• Conduct original research of international quality in nano-fertilizers sustainable bio-composite materials.
• Prepare and submit high-impact scientific publications and present results at international conferences, workshops and meetings.
• Mentor master’s and PhD students as part of research activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers to strengthen interdisciplinary links.
• Communicate with the research project team the development, progress and results of research activities.
• Identify areas of improvement within the research structure using integrated management approaches in pursuit of capacity building/strengthening and the preservation of scientific rigor in research studies.
• Support proposal writing for national and international research funding opportunities.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for candidates with a multidisciplinary background and strong motivation to contribute to applied research with real-world impact.

Qualifications and Skills are:

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Sciences or a related engineering field.
• Proven experience in nano/micro-material synthesis.
• Good knowledge of biobased materials
• Solid understanding of biobased materials and surface/interface phenomena.
• Hands-on experience in characterization techniques: SEM, TEM, XRD, Zeta Potential, FTIR, UV-Vis.
• Familiarity with nanofertilizers and their agronomic applications is highly desirable.
• Previous experience in industrial research projects is an asset.
• Good publication track record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong communication skills in English (written and oral).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Excellent networking ability and organizational skills.
• Experience in technology transfer is appreciated.
• Experience in co-supervision and coordination of master students.
• Commitment to lab safety and research integrity.
• Strong communication skills in English (written and oral).

Applicants should submit :

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• List of publications.
• 3 x reference Letters.
• Future plans for research (1 to 2 pages per project).