MSN: Post Doc Position in Organic Chemistry to Develop Porous Liquids for Carbon Capture and Separation

The MSN Department is looking for a motivated candidate to synthetize organic products compatible with Porous Liquid Types 1 to 3 technology for CO2 capture and separation applications.

About Mohammed VI polytechnic University (UM6P)

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with international standards, is established to contribute to the development of 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. 

About MSN department

The Materials Science, Energy, and nano-engineering (MSN) is a department at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University that aims to makes use of innovative research and education in order to promote solution development and entrepreneurship (in the context of Moroccan and African challenges), while training the next generation top scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Research at MSN is organized in different research clusters including Energy Transition, Surface Technology and Metallurgy, Polymers and Composites, and Sustainable Materials. With some 100 researchers and PhD students and several national and international partners, MSN is emerging as a strong actor in the Moroccan materials research scene. The department coordinates several initial and executive Master programs.

Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

Position Announcement

Job Title: Post-Doc in Organic Chemistry

Area of specialization: Synthesis of non-volatile organic solvents to design novel porous liquids (Types 1 to 3)

Place: UM6P – MSN Department

Job Summary

MSN / UM6P is looking for a motivated candidate to develop novel neoteric solvents made in Morocco able to dissolve or to disperse MOF materials. A particular attention will be also given to develop Type 1 porous liquids based on a well-designed organic synthesis route. The candidate should also demonstrate a strong ability to synthesize organic materials based on Phosphorous, Sulfur, and/or Nitrogen chemistries. 

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will carry out duties to the highest standard and will:

• Undertake original research of international excellence.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research projects.
• Prepare papers for publication in leading journals and/or contribute to the dissemination at national/international conferences, workshops and meetings resulting in successful research outputs.
• Communicate to the team the development, progress and results of research activities ensuring that relevant information and issues in the implementation of projects/experiments are captured in as comprehensive and timely manner as possible.
• Establish collaborative links with the core scientific personnel in related program areas to gain exposure to and build knowledge on experimental/research activities and approaches, in order to improve conceptual development and industrial implementation.
• Identify areas of improvement within the research structure using integrated management approaches in pursuit of capacity building/strengthening and the preservation of scientific rigor in research studies.
• Support if required, the development of proposals for research funding.

Application Procedure :

Applications must be sent using a single electronic zipped folder with the mention of the job title. The folder must contain:

• A detailed CV ;
• A synthetic presentation of the background, research works, projects and activities, publications, key achievements ;
• A research statement sharing the applicant vision (max 3-4 pages) ;
• 2 references letters.

Qualifications and Exêrience Essential :

• A PhD in Organic Chemistry or related subject.
• Expert in retrosynthetic analysis to further elaborate novel organic molecules by following sustainable synthesis routes.
• Expert in the synthesis, purification, and chemical characterization of organic products.
• Good knowledge on physical chemistry is also requested to understand technological issues associated with the further utilization of organic products made by the applicant. Like those related to: 
  • the formulation of porous liquids Types 2 and 3 ;
  • the utilization of porous liquids (Types 1 to 3) for CO2 capture and separation applications.
• Excellent communication in both English and French languages. 
• A proven work experience in the synthesis of neoteric solvents (like ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, other P-based solvents, etc.) is mandatory.
• Ability to generate new ideas, links, and builds upon existing ones to generate unique concepts and synthesis scaling-up solutions.
• Experience in the lab co-supervision of Master and/or PhD students.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Excellent networking ability and organizational skills.
• Good publication track record in peer-reviewed journals with respect of the career development.