ISTI - Postdoctoral Researcher in the Development of Efficient and Cost-Effective Additives

About UM6P:

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher learning, that is committed to an educational system based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. UM6P is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation. On a specific focus on Africa, UM6P aims to position these fields as the forefront and become a university of international standing.

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 IST&I:

The Institute of Science, Technology & Innovation (IST&I) of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Ben Guerir is dedicated to high level of education, research & innovation in science and engineering. Research & development within IST&I are centred on addressing the major challenges of the phosphate industry in Morocco and Africa, including food security, climate change and resource sustainability. In response to these challenges, IST&I in collaboration with national & international partners aims to develop innovative technologies to improve the fertilizers performance to adapt to the climate changes, the valorization of byproducts to create potential economic value and the implementation of circular economy through resources sustainability and byproducts valorization.

The Institute of Science, Technology & Innovation (IST&I) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for multiple PostDoc positions to undertake research in the area of expertise related to:

• Organic chemistry
• Polymer Science
• Hydrometallurgy
• Minerals engineering
• Environmental Science

Job Description:

Development of efficient and cost-effective additives through sustainable organic synthesis

This project focuses on the design and synthesis of innovative organic and inorganic formulations, with the aim of developing specific additives for the demetallization of phosphoric acid. Additionally, other specific ligands will be synthesized including flotation collectors, defoamers and deodorisers. For this purpose, various organic and inorganic ligands will be synthesised and analysed using advanced characterization techniques (NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, …).

Position Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong expertise in organic synthesis, inorganic chemistry, and the design of functional molecules for industrial applications.
• Demonstrated experience in the synthesis, purification, and characterization of organic and/or inorganic compounds.
• Hands-on experience with advanced analytical and characterization techniques such as NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, UV–Vis, ICP-OES/MS, and other relevant analytical tools.
• Knowledge of ligand design, coordination chemistry, surfactants, flotation reagents, specialty chemicals, or phosphoric acid processing is highly desirable.
• Experience in developing chemical formulations, including additives, collectors, defoamers, or related specialty chemicals, is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with green chemistry principles, sustainable synthesis, and process optimization is an advantage.
• Ability to independently design and execute research projects while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals and excellent scientific writing skills.
• Experience in supervising graduate students and contributing to research proposal preparation is an asset.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of French is considered an advantage.
• Strong organizational skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to innovation and industrially relevant research. 

Criteria of the candidate:

• PhD in the subject discipline with a relevant experience as postdoctoral researcher.
• Prove ability to perform multidisciplinary research and contribute to funded research programs.
• Good English communication skills, both verbal and written are important.

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.
• Contact information of 3 referees.