Meiji Gakuin University

Overview of the UM6P and MSN Department 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. Located in the heart of Benguerir’s Green City, UM6P aspires to make a lasting impact on national, continental, and global scales, positioning itself as a leader in education, research, and innovation. The Materials Science, Energy, and Nano-engineering (MSN) department at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University 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. Job Description 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. The successful candidate will carry out duties to the highest standard and will: Help at designing and setting up experimental work at lab and pilot scale. Perform materials characterization (XRD, Raman, SEM-EDS, TGA, PSD, BET, ICP). Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical optimization tools to improve processes within the main project and across other ongoing research lines. Fabricate and test graphite anodes via electrochemical techniques (CV, EIS, galvanostatic cycling). Establish correlations between purification conditions, structural properties, and electrochemical performance. Contribute to side research activities involving biomass-derived biochar production, its application in water purification, and the evaluation of adsorption or catalytic performance. 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, and other engineers, PhD students to plan and implement experiments related to the project. Set up testing methods, instruments and perform data acquisition related to the project. Write proposals, reports, scientific articles and Patent proposals related to the project. Candidate Profile Strong proficiency in software tools related to materials/process modeling, thermochemical systems, statistical design (DoE), and data analysis. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Solid understanding of the physics, chemistry, and structure–property relationships of carbon materials and inorganic solids. Strong skills in materials characterization techniques, including SEM, XRD, Raman, BET, TGA, ICP, and electrochemical testing. Experience with hydrometallurgical and thermochemical processes, carbon purification, or mineral processing is required; familiarity with pyrolysis or other high-temperature treatments is considered an asset. Demonstrated ability to perform experimental work at lab scale, with experience in pilot-scale setups considered a plus. Proven track record in designing, conducting, and optimizing experiments, ideally supported by DoE/statistical methods. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and multicultural research team. Prior experience in industrial research and development , battery materials, mineral processing, or related sectors is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to work with industry partners and deliver results within defined deadlines. Education Successful candidates must hold a PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemical or Process Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in carbon materials, battery materials, sustainable purification processes, or thermochemical treatment of solids is highly desirable.

Host Institution Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa, aiming to position itself among the world’s leading universities in its fields. The University is committed to economic and human development and places research and innovation at the heart of Africa’s progress. This approach enables UM6P to strengthen Morocco’s leadership in these areas through a unique model based on partnerships and by fostering the development of skills essential for Africa’s future. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, at the heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to make a lasting impact at the national, continental, and global levels. About ARC_AIR – African Research Center on Air Quality and Climate: The African Research Center on Air Quality and Climate (ARC_AIR) is a research unit within UM6P dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and innovative solutions in the fields of air quality, atmospheric chemistry, and climate. ARC_AIR’s mission is to support sustainable development in Africa through high-impact research, capacity building, and technology transfer. The center brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and students working on addressing environmental challenges such as industrial emissions, urban pollution, and climate change impacts. ARC_AIR also collaborates closely with national and international partners to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global atmospheric science and to develop tools and strategies that guide evidence-based policymaking. Research Area Earth Observation Artificial Intelligence Climate Change Urban and Territorial Sustainability Water–Energy–Food Nexus Position Description African Research Center on Air Quality and Climate (ARC_AIR) of UM6P invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within an interdisciplinary research program focusing on the integrated analysis of climate change, urbanization, resource systems, and territorial performance, with a particular emphasis on Morocco, Africa, and semi-arid to arid regions. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of Earth Observation, geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence, climate and sustainability science, aiming to develop predictive, decision-oriented, and operational frameworks for climate-resilient and sustainable territories. Research Scope and Objectives The successful candidate will contribute to the following research axes: AI-driven territorial diagnostics and foresight, integrating multi-source satellite data with machine learning and spatial modeling Climate–water–energy–agriculture interactions, with applications to water scarcity, urban heat stress, air quality, and territorial resilience Land-use and land-cover change (LULCC) and its impacts on surface climate, ecosystem services, and socio-economic systems Urban and territorial sustainability indicators, observatories, and decision-support tools for policy and planning Energy demand and territorial energy metabolism, including building-scale, urban-scale and territorial-scale assessments Urban and peri-urban agriculture as climate-resilient territorial solutions Expected Contributions By joining this program, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to: Conduct independent and collaborative research leading to publications in high-impact international journals Develop and apply advanced geospatial, statistical, and AI-based methodologies Contribute to international research projects, reports, and proposals Support the supervision of graduate students and contribute to capacity building Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers, institutions, and stakeholders Candidate Profile Required Qualifications PhD in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Sciences, Environmental Science, Climate Science, Data Science, Urban Studies, or related fields Strong background in Earth Observation data analysis and/or spatial modeling Proven ability to publish in high impact peer-reviewed international journals Experience with machine/deep learning / AI applied to environmental or urban systems Familiarity with climate modeling, urban climate, urban agriculture, water resources, and energy systems Experience working in interdisciplinary or international research projects Interest in policy-relevant and impact-oriented research Application Procedure Interested candidates should submit the following documents: Cover letter outlining research interests and motivation Curriculum Vitae (including publication list) Research statement (1–2 pages) describing alignment with the research program One or two representative publications Contact information of two referees

About UM6P: University Mohammed VI Polytechnic is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields. The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco's frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant to the future of Africa. University Mohammed VI Polytechnic aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally. UM6P is located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City and only 70 km away from Marrakesh. Thanks to its prestigious architectural landscape and modern equipment, the UM6P offers premium conditions for a desirable lifestyle. Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher – non-conventional phosphates beneficiation. Duration: 12 months. Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary research project dedicated to the sustainable valorization of non-conventional phosphates (including phosphates sludges) and the development of beneficiation processes (classification, grinding and flotation or others). The successful candidate will lead research efforts to evaluate the feasibility of upgrading non-conventional phosphates by flotation or other techniques. This work will involve mineralogical and chemical characterization, process testing at laboratory scale, and techno-economic evaluation of developed routes. The project contributes to Morocco’s strategic objectives in resource valorization, environmental sustainability, and circular economy, in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners. Area of Research: Sustainable mineral processing, with emphasis on phosphates beneficiation and process optimization. Main responsibilities: Conduct literature review on phosphate ore and waste processing and valorization; Operate and maintain mineral processing and analytical instruments; Design and execute laboratory-scale experiments for beneficiation (flotation, and others); Assess process parameters to optimize recovery and product quality; Evaluate potential valorization routes for process by-products and residues; Analyze, interpret, and synthesize experimental data to support process development; Contribute to the economic and environmental assessment of developed processes; Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, publications, and technical notes. Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and students on project activities. Participate in regular project reviews and research meetings. Collaborate with internal teams, partner laboratories, and industrial stakeholders. Candidate Profile: Required qualifications : PhD in mineral processing, materials science, metallurgical engineering, or related discipline; Proven experience in ore characterization and process development; Strong background in mineral beneficiation; Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; Strong scientific writing and communication abilities in English (French is an asset); Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research environment. Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following documents: A cover letter detailing their motivation and relevant experience A curriculum vitae (CV) Contact information for one or two academic or professional references Any additional supporting documents the candidate deems important Applications should be submitted electronically by March 15th, 2026, with all documents attached in a single file or zipped folder and the subject line: Non-conventional phosphates valorization – Post doc Applications will be reviewed by a scientific committee, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview