About 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, UM6P promotes a transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions for developing up-to-date science and at a continental 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.
About IWRI:
UM6P-IWRI International Water Research Institute is a new institute located in Benguerir. The institute is dedicated to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary education and research around water and climate.
The objectives are to conduct cutting-edge research where local themes are connected to global issues of water and climate, with a focus on:
- Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
- Development of water-related technologies (irrigation, water supply and sanitation, desalination, demineralization, treatment, and recycling for water reuse)
- Water-Energy-Food-Health-Education Nexus
- Water in and for Soil, Droughts, and Desertification
- Water-Related Hazards
- Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies
- Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM)
- Water information, knowledge and decision systems
- Forecasting and Warning Systems
- Environmental Considerations and Sustainable Development
Job description:
The International Water Research Institute (IWRI) at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in desalination and water treatment, as part of a funded project supported by OCP Green Water. We seek candidates with demonstrated expertise in seawater desalination pretreatment, particularly in media filtration process. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary environment with a strong tradition of combining both fundamental and applied research to address real-world water challenges.
Key duties:
Successful candidates are expected to:
- Design and set up a pilot-scale media filtration process for seawater pretreatment prior to desalination, including system configuration and performance validation.
- Develop a comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) protocol for the implemented media filtration system to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
- Organize and conduct field missions, carrying out on-site pilot-scale trials to evaluate the efficiency, robustness, and operational behavior of the seawater pretreatment process under real conditions.
- Collect and analyze operational data, diagnose performance issues, and propose evidence-based corrective measures or process improvements.
- Perform detailed data analysis and interpretation, and prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal teams, project partners, and the funding agency.
- Contribute to developing research projects and funding applications.
- Disseminate research findings through high-impact publications and participate in international conferences.
- Supervise and mentor undergraduate/graduate students.
Qualifications & requirements:
- PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Up to 2 years of relevant experience in desalination and filtration systems of any scale.
- Knowledge of transport phenomena, with emphasis on mass transfer in column filtration systems.
- Hands-on experience with media filtration processes is a strong advantage.
- Experience in water quality analysis for assessing the performance of water treatment processes.
- Proven experience in leading or contributing to research projects is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to generate innovative ideas, build upon existing concepts, and develop novel solutions.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary environments.
- Willingness to travel for fieldwork and project-related activities, with a valid driver’s license required.
- Fluency in English and French, both spoken and written.
Contract type
- 1-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
Application:
Applications must include the following:
- A cover letter addressing position requirements.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae including a publications list.
- A research concept notes (maximum 3 pages) on the proposed topic.
- 2 recommendation letters
Starting date:
As soon as possible.
