Flinders University

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: We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic team in the Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat-RC) at UM6P. The successful candidate will work on an exciting project focused on extracting and analyzing experimental and computational data to develop predictive models for polymer-based materials. This project aims to leverage computational chemistry techniques and data-driven approaches to optimize the properties of novel polymer-based materials. Key duties The successful candidate is expected to: Build and evaluate chemical databases based on experimental and computational data. Establish predictive models based on artificial intelligence methods. Utilize the developed models to design and optimize the properties of materials. Conduct thorough experimental testing of developed materials. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including organic and inorganic chemists, and data scientists. Maintain detailed records of experimental and computational procedures, results, and observations. Prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations for conferences and scientific publications. Contribute to the generation of new research ideas, participate in grant writing activities, and seek external funding opportunities to support ongoing research projects. Contribute on the group’s activities in processing of sustainable materials, (bio)polymer composites and their applications. Participate in the supervision of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. Criteria of the candidate To be considered for this role, you will ideally have: PhD in Computational Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field. Strong background in computational chemistry techniques, including molecular dynamics, quantum mechanical simulations, and machine learning. Proficiency in programming languages and computational software’s. Strong motivation and passion for research in the field of sustainable materials and materials science. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective dissemination of research results. Exceptional organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks and projects efficiently. Strong commitment to high-quality research and ethical standards. Application and Selection Application folder must contain: Detailed CV. Motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation Brief research statement. Contact information of 2 referees. 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.

Job Title: CESFRA - Postdoctoral Position in Agronomy and Soils Sciences (Dynamic of organic matter (SOM) in soils and how to improve it contains, particularly, on its stable form and establish the relationships between SOM and biological indicators for soil health under different land uses). Area of specialization: Degraded soils, Organic matter, organo-mineral amendment, microbial inoculation, plant covert, soil health and quality, soil health indictors, sustainable agriculture, field experiments monitoring. About UM6P: 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 to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech. About Center of Excellence for Soil and Fertilizer Research in Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences: Center of Excellence of Soil and Fertilizer Research in Africa at the Mohamed VI Polytechnic University (CESFRA) aims to evolve a continental hub of knowledge, skills, technology and information on soil suitability, land use and fertilizer development, which can be accessible to the various African stakeholders viz., farmers, universities, research institutions, policy makers, public and private sectors with the purpose of unveiling the huge potential of the Africa’s agriculture. Certainly, the knowledge generation and accessibility tasks do take place through partnership, networking, faculty and students exchange between CESFRA of UM6P and the various academic, research and other related organizations operating in Africa.  The key thematic research and development areas that can help in transforming the Africa’s food production systems is listed below: Pedology and land use Soil fertility and fertilizer Soil Health Job/Project description: The Center for Sustainable Soil Sciences (CAES) at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University seeks a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our academic institution as a postdoctoral research staff in Agronomy (Dynamic of organic matter in soils and how to improve it contains, particularly, on its stable form and establish the relationships with biological indicators for soil health under different land uses). The successful candidate will contribute to our institution's commitment to excellence in research and innovation in agronomy and soils sciences, mainly by conducting innovate research which allow us: (i) to evaluate the effect of land uses and agricultural practices on the capacity of soils to store carbon and (ii) to develop strategies (organo-mineral amendment, installation of a plant cover, inoculation by microorganisms of agronomic interest) and propose recommendations (iii) to increase the sequestration of organic matter on its stable form in the soils and (iv) to use practical biological soil health indicators, such as soil fauna, to promote sustainable use of agricultural soils in Africa. Main responsibilities: The selected candidate will be expected to: Conduct a survey with farmers to obtain a general view of real agricultural practices used in the selected Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan African countries where SOC is very low;  Propose characterisation of the soil properties collected from different studied farms;  Test how to Improve soil organic carbon content using organo-mineral resources under controlled condition; Assess the effect of using organo-mineral resources on soil carbon stock in the field; Implement agronomic assay to evaluate the stability of clay-humic complexes under culture conditions and how an intense of microbial activity contributes into the process of stabilization of organic matter; Assess the effects of organo-mineral management on soil biological parameters, including soil fauna; Predict the dynamic of OM in the future global climate change by using Soil Organic Models. Mentor master students and PhDs Education, qualifications, and experience Applicants must have an earned doctorate in Agronomy, Soils Sciences with hands-on the dynamic of Organic Matter in the soils, or Soil Ecology.  Strong knowledge of soil science, soil fertility, and crop production systems in Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan African countries; Capabilities to set up field experiments and interpret measured data, including statistical medthods, and translate it high quality into manuscripts to be submitted;  Demonstrated experience of multidisciplinary research in the above research area. High-quality publications in relevant scientific journals demonstrate a strong record of research accomplishments. Experience in supervising undergraduate/graduate students. Strong communication skills in English and French, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and the broader scientific community. Applications and selection procedure: The application folder must contain: Cover letter indicating the position applied for and the main research interests. Detailed CV. Statement of research and teaching interests describing the candidates’ experience with the position field. 3 references letters