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, Smart and Functional Materials, and Sustainable Materials. With more than 160 members and several national and international academic and industrial partners, MSN is emerging as a strong actor in the Moroccan materials research scene.
Position Announcement
Job Title: Postdoctoral position in functional materials for fertilizer development and customization
Area of specialization: Functional materials & Fertilizers
Place: UM6P – MSN Department
Contact: Pr. El-Houssaine ABLOUH : [email protected]
Desrciption du poste
The successful candidate will carry out duties to the highest standard and will:
- Conduct experimental research to develop new customized fertilizers through green technologies
- Carry out independent and/or directed advanced research to achieve the project objectives
- Prepare research reports as required by the funding body and produce scientific publications in leading journals
- Supervision of master and PhD students and trainees providing guidance on experimental processes and techniques, data analysis, and research methodologies.
- Collaborate with research colleagues and actively develop internal and external networks relevant to the research projects
- Keep the project team apprised about relevant information, progress and results of research activities, and clarify any issues in the implementation of projects/experiments in a timely manner as possible.
- To help in building integrated management approaches to identify areas of improvement within the research structure.
- Support if required, the development of proposals for research funding.
PROFIL :
- PhD in polymer science, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, fertilizer science, or a closely related field.
- Strong expertise in the design, functionalization, and processing of organic materials for fertilizer customization.
- Solid knowledge of fertilizer science, particularly phosphate-based fertilizers, multinutrient fertilizers, slow/controlled-release fertilizers and coating technologies.
- Proven experience in developing functional coatings, additives, or advanced materials to improve fertilizer performance, stability, compatibility, and agronomic efficiency.
- Strong understanding of recent R&D trends in innovative fertilizers, including fertilizer customization, enhanced-efficiency fertilizers and nutrient delivery systems.
- Experience with materials and fertilizer characterization techniques such as XPS, AFM, TEM, NMR, XRD, SEM/EDX, DVS, ICP, and nutrients release kinetics, and nutrient analysis.
- Ability to design and conduct multidisciplinary research combining materials science, chemistry, fertilizers science, and sustainable agriculture.
- Good publication record in peer-reviewed journals, considering the candidate’s career stage.
- Ability to prepare scientific reports, deliverables, and high-quality publications.
- Experience in laboratory work, experimental planning, data analysis, and co-supervision of Master’s and/or PhD students.
- Strong communication skills, teamwork spirit, and motivation to contribute to applied research with industrial relevance in fertilizer development and customization.
COMPETANCES &QUALITÉS
- Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
- Ability to generate new ideas, concepts and to solve research challenges
- Excellent project and time management skills
- Ability to coordinate and co-supervise undergraduate or graduate students (master and PhD students)
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to work and coordinate with multidisciplinary and multicultural team of scientists
- Excellent networking ability and organizational skills.
Application PROCEDURE:
Applications must be sent using a single pdf copy with the mention of the job title. The folder must contain:
- A detailed CV
- A synthetic presentation of background, research works, projects and activities, publications and key achievements
- A research statement sharing the applicant vision (max 2-3 pages)
- 3 reference letters, from an academic professor or industrial partner working in the field of materials science or fertilizers science.
