Technical University of Madrid

Expected Start Date: October 2025 Job Description We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in vanadium and rare-earth element (REE) recovery, thermodynamic modeling, and materials characterization to join a cutting-edge research team. The project focuses on developing sustainable and optimized processes for vanadium extraction and purification, with the goal of enabling large-scale redox flow battery deployment for energy storage. Scope of Work The successful candidate will work on: Designing and optimizing extraction processes for vanadium from primary and secondary sources (e.g., slags and industrial wastes). Developing purification pathways to produce battery-grade vanadium for energy storage applications. Applying thermodynamic modeling tools (CALPHAD, FactSage) to simulate vanadium phase behavior and guide process improvements. Performing advanced characterization of vanadium-bearing materials to understand their transformation and recovery mechanisms. Evaluating environmental sustainability via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis. Contributing to the integration of vanadium flows within a circular economy model for battery materials. Key Responsibilities Development and optimization of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical vanadium recovery strategies. Advanced thermodynamic simulation using CALPHAD-based methods, including phase equilibrium modeling in multi-component systems. Comprehensive use of characterization tools, including: SEM, TEM, HAADF-STEM, XRD, and EDS for micro- and nano-scale phase analysis. LA-ICP-MS for ultra-trace elemental quantification. Investigation of impurity phase removal (e.g., Fe, P, Si, REEs). Environmental and economic evaluation of processes via LCA and techno-economic models. Preparation of high-impact publications and contribution to collaborative proposals. Support of graduate student mentorship and lab coordination. Required Qualifications & Experience PhD in Materials Chemistry, Extractive Metallurgy, or Chemical Engineering with a focus on resource recovery or battery materials. Research experience in metal recovery from slags or mineral concentrates, including both experimental and computational methodologies. Proven proficiency in thermodynamic modeling using FactSage, CALPHAD, and complementary simulation platforms like Aspen Plus. In-depth knowledge of electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and structural analysis methods for complex materials. Familiarity with REE and vanadium chemistry, oxidation states, and redox equilibria. Desirable Competences Prior research on critical metals (e.g., V, Ce, La, Nd) in slag systems. Simulation of monazite and rare-earth phosphate precipitation from multi-component melts. Strong background in slag thermochemistry, particularly oxygen fugacity control and partition coefficient modeling. Experience in integrating modeling with leaching and separation processes for scale-up. Advanced data interpretation using electron diffraction, dendritic growth modeling, and REE behavior in Fe-rich matrices. Competences & Personal Qualities Excellent English communication skills (oral and written). Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Capable of both independent and collaborative interdisciplinary research. Demonstrated ability to lead sub-projects, mentor students, and contribute to scientific dissemination.

Job description: African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral researcher in the field of computational biotechnology and modelling/simulation of bioreactor under aerobic and/or anaerobic treatment of biomass. Candidates should hold a PhD degree with professional experience in biotechnology, process engineering, modelling, and simulation of bioreactor. The postdoctoral researcher will join a multidisciplinary and will contribute to the development of comprehensive computational modules that simulate the behavior and the performances of bioreactor to produce high added value product. Ability to engage professionally with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students across the university and externally is required. Evidence of research excellence is expected. Strong French and English communication skills, both verbal and written, are required. Key duties: Successful candidate is expected to: Setup, validation, and evaluation of Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) models for the elucidation of bioreactor heterogeneities and performances Development and application of modelling/simulation approaches for approximating CFD results Analyze and interpret data from scale-down and scale-up experiments Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner Present research results at national scientific meetings Conduct original research within an international framework Have a creative, open, and resilient mind Criteria of the candidate: PhD degree in modelling, simulation, and process engineering from a recognized University. Strong expertise in modeling and simulation of fluid dynamics, preferably for bioreactor environments Have knowledge and familiarity with aerobic and anaerobic treatment Good written and spoken English as well as presentation skills Excellent interpersonal, and organizational skills with an ability to work efficiently both independently and in a team About UM6P: Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve 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. UM6P is a very ambitious university, enjoying ample research funding, moderate teaching load, and excellent facilities. In its research approach, the UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions, both international ones for developing up to date science, and at continent level to address real African challenges. UM6P offers highly competitive salaries at the international level. Our researchers get incentives through a participation to the intellectual property they develop. About ASARI (UM6P Laâyoune): The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Laayoune City, south of Morocco. It constitutes a structure of applied research with a vision of solving real Local, Regional, and African agriculture challenges leveraging up-to-date science and technology. To implement its vision, ASARI puts a lot of emphasis on interdisciplinary research in sectors of strategic interest for the southern regions of Morocco and for the African continent such as: Plant & animal biotechnology (biosaline agriculture, animal production & nutrition, valorization of native aromatic & medicinal plants and algae, etc.) Sustainable technologies in water, environment, and energy sectors. Application process: Applications should contain the following documents: Curriculum Vitae A letter (maximum 1 page) explaining the motivation for the position Contact information of 3 references (Applicants are assumed to have obtained their references’ consent to be contacted for this matter) Applications are to be submitted on the recruitment platform stating in object “Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioreactor Modelling and Simulation”.

Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher – Energy engineering and monitoring of solar panel performance in semi-arid environments Duration: 12 months, renewable Position Summary: We are seeking a docotor in energy to join our research team as a Postodoctoral researcher. The position focuses on studying the performance of photovoltaic solar panels installed on post-mining sites, in relation to microclimatic variations induced by local vegetation. The researcher will contribute to the analysis of vegetation–climate–technology interactions to optimize energy yield in environments subject to climatic stress. Responsibilities: Monitoring PV panels: temperature, efficiency, dust accumulation. Using environmental sensors and thermal cameras (UAV/IR). Comparative analysis of PV configurations: with vs. without vegetation. Studying dust deposition and its impact on energy performance. Analyzing meteorological, soil, and energy production data. Contributing to the modeling of PV performance under local conditions. Participating in the writing of scientific and technical deliverables. Compiling, analyzing, and documenting experimental research results. Working closely with project partners. Candidate Profile: PhD in solar energy, electrical engineering, or environmental sciences. Proficiency in PV systems, instrumentation, and performance measurement. Experience in processing environmental data (Python, R, MATLAB). Interest in integrated approaches (energy–environment–biodiversity). Skills in UAV data analysis, thermography, and field measurements. Teamwork and collaborative problem-solving abilities. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and French. Application Package: Cover letter Detailed CV List of publications Copies of degrees Professional references (minimum of 2)