Position Summary:
We are seeking a motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team. The successful candidate will work on optimizing methods for nanofibers extraction from various types of biomass, focusing on the development of efficient, sustainable, and scalable processes. This role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to advancing renewable materials research.
Key duties:
- Design and execute experiments to optimize fractionation and extraction processes from diverse biomass sources.
- Investigate thermochemical, mechanical, enzymatic treatment methods or combination thereof to improve extraction efficiency and yield.
- Develop advanced pre-treatment techniques to enhance the extraction yield.
- Perform comprehensive kinetic and thermodynamic studies to understand and optimize the extraction processes.
- Investigate structure-property relationships to correlate the extraction process with the functional performance of nanofibers in various applications.
- Characterize the extracted cellulose fibers using analytical techniques such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and others.
- Evaluate the environmental and economic aspects of the developed methods.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, materials scientists, and sustainability experts.
- Collaborate with industrial partners to assess the commercial potential of the developed processes.
- Prepare research findings for publication in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
- Contribute to the development of intellectual property, including patents.
- Participate in outreach activities to promote sustainability in materials science.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in related projects.
Criteria of the candidate:
To be considered for this role, you will ideally have:
- A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Biomass Chemistry, or a related field.
- Strong foundation in biomass processing, fiber chemistry, or green chemistry principles.
- Proven experience in designing and optimizing biomass processing methods, including chemical, mechanical, and enzymatic treatments.
- Knowledge of advanced pre-treatment techniques.
- Proficiency in kinetic and thermodynamic modeling of extraction processes.
- Expertise in using analytical tools (e.g., FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, TEM) for structural, thermal, and mechanical characterization of materials.
- Familiarity with structure-property relationship studies and their implications for material applications.
- Excellent problem-solving and experimental design skills.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Strong background in biomass processing and fiber chemistry.
- Hands-on experience with analytical tools for material characterization.
- Familiarity with green chemistry principles.
- Excellent problem-solving and experimental design skills.
- Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Application and Selection:
Application folder must contain:
Detailed CV.
Motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation
A brief research statement.
Contact information of 2 referees.
About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P):
Located at the heart of the Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, was established to serve Morocco and the African continent and to advance applied research and innovation. This unique university, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, has woven an extensive academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking outstanding academics and professionals to promote Morocco and Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
About the Sustainable Materials Research Center (SUSMAT-RC):
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.
