CBS - Post-Doctoral Position in Sustainable Fertilizer Materials...

Post-Doctoral Position in Sustainable Fertilizer Materials: Development of Controlled-Release Systems Using Modified Moroccan Clays

Institution: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) Department: Chemical and Biochemical Sciences - Green Process Engineering (CBS) Location: Benguerir/Jorf Lasfar, Morocco
Duration: 12 months, renewable based on performance and funding.

About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (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 a transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with internal and external institutions for developing up-to-date scientific research and at continent level 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 the Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering (CBS)

The Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering Department (CBS) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The main objective of CBS is to set up a distinctive research-teaching program, of international level, to meet the research and teaching challenges of UM6P, in particular on green and environmental chemistry applied to all aspects of chemical sciences: organic, polymer, and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, catalysis, chemical biology, biochemical and thermal reactions.

Research at CBS is organized around several major areas, which aim to answer challenging industrial questions, from complex chemical and biochemical reactions to scale-up and validation of process engineering. CBS projects aim at an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of all transformations in order to propose new original alternatives in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness and sustainability.

Position Description
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for conducting research on the development and characterization of controlled-release fertilizers using hybrid materials based on modified Moroccan clays. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment, integrating materials chemistry, polymer chemistry, composites, hybrid systems, and fertilizer technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Development: Design, synthesize, and characterize eco-friendly inorganic and hybrid materials derived from Moroccan clay for agronomic applications.
• Material Characterization: Perform in-depth structural (FTIR, XRD), thermal (TGA, DSC), morphological (SEM, TEM, AFM), surface area (BET), wettability (contact angle), and mechanical analyses.
• Performance Evaluation: Conduct agronomic trials to assess material efficacy under both controlled and real-world conditions.
• Scientific Communication: Publish research in high-impact journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Collaboration: Work closely with interdisciplinary teams at UM6P and external partners to drive joint research initiatives.
• Mentorship: Supervise and mentor Master’s and Ph.D. students, supporting their academic and professional growth.

Qualifications & Experience
Required:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in developing hybrid materials for advanced applications.
• Strong expertise in inorganic materials and composites, with proficiency in characterization techniques (FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, BET).
• Demonstrated ability in data analysis and material performance optimization.
• A solid track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of agronomic applications, including controlled-release systems, biodegradable materials, or eco-friendly coatings.
• Experience in environmental or agricultural material testing.

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and scientific writing skills.
• An innovative mindset focused on developing sustainable solutions.

Application Requirements
Applicants are invited to submit the following documents:

• Cover letter detailing research interests, experience, and suitability for the position
• Detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
• List of publications and patents.
• Contact information for two professional references.

Benefits
Opportunity to work within a dynamic and innovative research environment at UM6P.
Access to state-of-the-art facilities for material synthesis, characterization, and testing.
Collaboration with national and international research networks.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
This position is ideal for candidates passionate about sustainable materials and seeking to make a significant contribution to materials sciences, and agronomic and environmental advancements.