MSN - Assistant Professor in Organic Chemistry of Polymers

Assistant Professor Position in Organic Chemistry for Synthetic/Functional Polymer-Based Membranes for Hydrogen Production by Electrolysis

Overview of the UM6P and MSN department

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.

The Materials Science and Nano-engineering (MSN) department has an interdisciplinary vision based on the competence of its researchers and the relevance of the developed research themes/programs designed to meet different national and global issues.

MSN develops high-level basic and applied research in Materials Science and Nano-engineering. The developed research areas in MSN are at the borders of all aspects related to materials science. To achieve this challenge, MSN has adopted a research strategy and a clear vision, based on the following research axes:

• Energy Transition
• Smart and Functional Materials
• Circular Materials

Position Announcement

• Job Title: Assistants Professor Position in Organic Chemistry of Polymers
• Contract: Permanent position
• The selected candidate will work closely within the Energy Transition Cluster
• Place: UM6P – MSN Department – Energy Transition Cluster
• Contact: Pr. Johan Jacquemin – johan.jacquemin@um6p.ma

Research Activities

• The assistant professor position is devoted to organic synthesis and studies of ion conducting polymers and polymer-based membranes (anion and cation exchange membranes). These materials will be used in hydrogen fuel cells and for water electrolyzer (alkaline and PEM). The research will focus on developing synthetic strategies and know how to design, to synthesis and functionalize these materials from the molecular level to achieve membranes with high selectivity, conductivity, and stability
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams for the design and development of high-performance polymeric materials for hydrogen technologies and renewable energy systems
• Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences
• Pursue external research funding through competitive grant proposals

Teaching activities

• Teach graduate and undergraduate courses related to Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, and Materials Chemistry
• Supervise graduate students working on master's or PhD theses related to polymer chemistry, and practical lab works in polymer chemistry for energy applications (synthesis, selective membranes, electrolysis, gas capture and storage, deionization, etc.) hydrogen storage, and energy materials
• Provide academic advising to students, guiding them in course selection, research directions, internships, and career development in polymer science and energy applications

Academic and Industry Partnerships

• Establish collaborations with other faculty members, research institutions, and industries to promote interdisciplinary research and technology transfer in organic chemistry of polymers for hydrogen applications
• Engage with industry partners to align research projects with real-world challenges, fostering opportunities for industrial applications and commercialization of advanced polymeric materials
• Contribute to the development of strategic research initiatives within the Energy Transition Cluster

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Chemistry, or a closely related field with a strong focus on polymer synthesis and functionalization
• Extensive experience in chemistry of polymers and organic synthesis, development of new monomers, ionomers, ionogels, oligomers and polymers along with chemical modification and post- polymerization modification, polymer characterization, preparation of functional membranes, as well as analysis of ion selectivity and conductivity, mechanical and thermal properties with a focus on thermochemical stability and aging, membrane testing in H-cells and electrolyzer
• Extensive experience in synthesis and characterization of polymers, including step-growth and chain-growth polymerizations, copolymerization, and functionalization strategies
• Proven expertise in polymer properties and applications for fuel cell technologies
• Strong background in spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as NMR, FTIR, GPC, DSC, and TGA for polymer characterization
• Proven track record of independent research in polymer chemistry, demonstrated by publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in teaching undergraduate or graduate courses related to organic chemistry, polymer science, or materials chemistry (teaching assistant or instructor roles may be sufficient)
• Familiarity with computational tools and simulation software for modeling polymer structures and properties is a plus
• A commitment to pedagogical innovation and the ability to mentor and engage students in active learning environments

Preferred Qualifications

• More than 5 years of experience in polymer synthesis and hydrogen applications (including PhD, postdoctoral, or industrial research experience)
• Demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary collaboration for designing advanced polymeric materials for hydrogen storage and energy systems
• Strong communication skills and a track record of successful grant writing and project leadership

Applicants should submit

• Cover letter outlining research experience, achievements, and research interests
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications
• Names and contact information of three external referees (who are not current UM6P faculty)
• Letters of recommendation from peers in the discipline