MSN - Assistant Professor Position in Solution Chemistry

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: Assistant Professor Position in Solution Chemistry
• 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

• Develop independent research programs in Solution Chemistry with a focus on designing and optimizing chemical solutions for the needs of the Energy Transition Cluster. These programs should align with the Energy Transition Cluster roadmap, focusing on:
  • Chemical thermodynamics and kinetics of gas absorption, desorption, and reaction mechanisms in liquid solutions
  • Development of advanced and alternative solvents for efficient separation and purification processes
  • Solubility and speciation studies for understanding gas-liquid interactions, including CO₂, SO₂, and other industrial gases
  • Electrochemical and catalytic approaches for converting captured gases into value-added products.
  • Modeling and simulation of chemical equilibria and mass transfer processes to optimize solution formulations for gas capture.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams for the design and development of novel chemical solutions for environmental sustainability and industrial applications
• 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 Solution Chemistry, Chemical Thermodynamics, and Gas-Liquid Interactions
• Supervise graduate students working on master's or PhD theses related to solution chemistry, gas capture, and chemical equilibrium
• Provide academic advising to students, guiding them in course selection, research directions, internships, and career development in chemical sciences and environmental applications

Academic and Industry Partnerships

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

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related field with a strong focus on solution chemistry and gas-liquid interactions
• Extensive experience in chemical thermodynamics, solubility studies, and reaction kinetics for gas absorption and desorption processes
• Proven expertise in solution chemistry, or advanced solvents for gas capture and utilization
• Strong background in spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as NMR, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry for solution characterization
• Proven track record of independent research in solution chemistry, demonstrated by publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in teaching undergraduate or graduate courses related to chemical thermodynamics, solution chemistry, or gas capture (teaching assistant or instructor roles may be sufficient)
• Familiarity with computational tools and simulation software for modeling chemical equilibria and mass transfer processes
• 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 solution chemistry and gas capture (including PhD, postdoctoral, or industrial research experience)
• Demonstrated experience in interdisciplinary collaboration for designing chemical solutions for environmental applications
• 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