SUSMAT - 2 Post-Doctoral Fellow Positions: Development of Multifunctional Hydrogels for Agricultural Applications (2 positions)

Job description:

An exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and talented post-doctoral fellow (PDF) to work on a collaborative project between Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMaT-RC) at the University Mohammed 6 Polytechnic (UM6P) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The PDF will be enrolled at SusMaT-RC under the supervision of Professor Youssef Habibi.

Our research project’s main focus is to develop multifunctional bio-sourced hydrogels for agricultural applications. To achieve desired properties, locally abundant biomass material will be converted into highly added value components and incorporating these materials with other fertilizers and/or biobased additives, through sustainable pathways, to produce bio-based hydrogels. 

Key duties:

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Have hands-on experience in hydrogel formulation and (bio)polymer processing.
• Have good experience in developing porous materials, including design, fabrication, and characterization.
• Have strong background in one of the following disciplines: Materials Science; Chemical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Physics; Chemistry.
• Be familiar with analytical, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques.
• Conduct rigorous testing to ensure the performance, reliability, and robustness of the designed systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research group, including chemists, polymer specialists, and engineers.
• Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures, results, and observations. 
• Draft technical reports, research papers, and presentations for conferences and scientific publications.
• Contribute to writing proposals and seeking external funding opportunities to support ongoing research projects.
• Be experienced in supervising undergraduate, master's and doctoral students.
• Travel abroad (United States) for a short period of time for work assignment.
• Ph.D. degree in physical chemical and analytical chemistry, chemistry, polymer science, materials science and engineering or related areas.
• Excellent organizational skills and team player
• Ability to show initiative, self-motivation, and work independently 
• Strong focus on achieving quality outputs.
• Good time management and task prioritization skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. 

Enquiries:

To be considered for this role, you will ideally have:

How to apply:

Please submit:

• An updated CV or résumé.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• One-page statement addressing the following questions
  • How will your skills or qualities benefit the advertised role?
  • Clearly state why you are interested in this position? 

Please note: Due to the urgency of the project timelines, the applications will be evaluated immediately upon receipt.

About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P):

Located at the heart of the Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, was established to serve Morocco and the African continent and to advance applied research and innovation. This unique university, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, has woven an extensive academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking outstanding academics and professionals to promote Morocco and Africa’s innovation ecosystem. 

About the Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat - RC):

The Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat - RC) is a multidisciplinary research center engaged in the development of advanced biobased products and materials thereof using biotechnological, physical and chemical conversion strategies and engineering processes (b) understanding and controlling their underlying specific functionalities and the structure-properties relationship acting over multiple length scales from the molecular, nano to the macro level and their cross-interactions and (c) utilizing the gathered knowledge and the invented materials to address key technological challenges in Morocco and African continent and assist the transition toward a green and circular economy.