Post-Doctoral Researcher in Mineral Processing, Battery Materials, and Sustainable Process Engineering

About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a research-driven institution dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With a strong focus on applied research, UM6P aims to tackle sustainable development challenges in Morocco and across Africa.

Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, the university fosters a dynamic ecosystem where students, faculty, and researchers collaborate to drive impactful change. Through interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships with academia, industry, and policymakers, UM6P bridges the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications.

About the Materials Science, Energy, and Nano-engineering (MSN) Department

The MSN department at UM6P focuses on innovative research and education to address Moroccan and African challenges. Its work spans four key areas: energy transition, surface technology, polymers and composites, and sustainable materials. With over 70 researchers and PhD students, and strong national and international collaborations, MSN is a growing force in materials research.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Mineral Processing, Battery Materials, and Sustainable Process Engineering. The researcher will join a multidisciplinary research program aimed at optimizing natural graphite for Li-ion battery applications, developing sustainable purification technologies, and advancing circular water management in mineral processing. The work spans mineral processing, electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy, and environmental engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and set up experimental work at lab and pilot scale
• Perform materials characterization using XRD, Raman, SEM-EDS, TGA, PSD, BET, and ICP techniques
• Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical optimization tools to improve processes
• Fabricate and test graphite anodes via electrochemical techniques (CV, EIS, galvanostatic cycling)
• Establish correlations between purification conditions, structural properties, and electrochemical performance
• Contribute to research on biomass-derived biochar production and water purification applications
• Analyze wastewater streams for organic and inorganic contaminants
• Evaluate recovery or reuse pathways for reagents and valuable by-products
• Assess environmental, economic, and regulatory implications of proposed solutions
• Propose scalable solutions for industrial implementation and Water-Energy-Materials nexus
• Collaborate with suppliers, support staff, engineers, and PhD students to plan and implement experiments
• Set up testing methods, instruments, and perform data acquisition
• Write proposals, reports, scientific articles, and patent proposals

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemical or Process Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a closely related discipline
• Strong background in carbon materials, battery materials, sustainable purification processes, or thermochemical treatment of solids
• Strong proficiency in software tools for materials/process modeling, thermochemical systems, statistical design (DoE), and data analysis
• Solid understanding of the physics, chemistry, and structure-property relationships of carbon materials and inorganic solids
• Strong skills in materials characterization techniques: SEM, XRD, Raman, BET, TGA, ICP, and electrochemical testing
• Experience with hydrometallurgical and thermochemical processes, carbon purification, or mineral processing
• Demonstrated ability to perform experimental work at lab scale
• Proven track record in designing, conducting, and optimizing experiments using DoE/statistical methods
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and multicultural research team

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pilot-scale setups
• Familiarity with pyrolysis or other high-temperature treatments
• Prior experience in industrial research and development, battery materials, mineral processing, or related sectors
• Demonstrated ability to work with industry partners and deliver results within defined deadlines