Doane University-Lincoln, Grand Island and Master

POST DOC POSITION IN ENCAPSULATION OF ACTIVE MATERIALS FOR CARBON CAPTURE AND UTILIZATION – JOINTLY WITH UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, CANADA 12716 We are looking for a motivated PDRA candidate to investigate the encapsulation of active materials (liquids or solids) for developing innovative CO2 Capture and Utilization (CCU) processes. This position is motivated by the fact that many attractive options for CCU solvents suffer from their high viscosity, limiting thus the absorption kinetics. While benchmark alkanolamine-based aqueous liquids suffer from potential environmental impacts from solvent release. Encapsulating absorbents within polymer- and/or nanomaterial-based shells represents a promising solution. The successful candidate should elaborate novel solutions to encapsulate innovative solvents (e.g., Deep Eutectic Solvents, Ionic Liquids, Porous Liquids or bio-based solid materials) to enhance not only the chemical and thermal stability of the polymer shell and the filled beads but also the surface area of the functional shell. A particular attention will be also placed on the surface properties to tune the selectively of the shell to allow the permeation to specific gases, like the CO2, while prevent permeation of other species, like H2O. By following this strategy, encapsulated solvents (sorbents) should keep their own performance by taking advantage of the high surface area of the shell. The proposed beads should be both chemically and mechanically stable under typical industrial conditions moving from post-combustion process to direct air capture (DAC) technology. However, there will be a particular focus on DAC. Job Description : The successful candidate will carry out duties to the highest standard and will: Undertake original research of international excellence. Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research projects. Publish papers in leading journals and present research findings at national/international conferences, workshops, and meetings to effectively disseminate the results and contribute to successful research outputs. Communicate the development, progress and results of research activities to the team, Communicate the development, progress and results of research activities to the team to ensure that relevant information and issues in the implementation of projects/experiments are captured in as comprehensive and timely manner as possible.. Establish collaborative links with the core scientific personnel in related program areas to gain exposure to and build knowledge on experimental/research activities and approaches, in order to improve conceptual development and industrial implementation. Identify areas of improvement within the research structure using integrated management approaches in pursuit of capacity building/strengthening and the preservation of scientific rigor in research studies. Support if required, the development of proposals for research funding. Candidate PROFILE : A PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related subject. Expert in the interfacial phenomena and encapsulation of materials in solid or liquid state. Expert in the materials (polymers and nanomaterials) synthesis and characterization. Good knowledge in Thermodynamics and Fluid Phase Equilibrium are also requested. Knowledge about carbon capture technologies will be preferred  Associated Skills : Experience working on a project combining organic materials synthesis, purifications, and their characterization. Proven past experiences on the preparation and characterization of polymers and encapsulated materials. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team. Proven ability of working with projects partners to reach their objectives timely. Excellent networking ability and organizational skills. Proven and distinct work experiences in academia and/or industries and/or abroad are highly requested. Ability to generate new ideas, links, and builds upon existing ones to generate unique concepts and solutions. Experience in co-supervision and coordination of masters and PhD level students. Excellent communication in both English and French languages.  Good publication track record in peer-reviewed journals with respect of the career development. Willingness to work on an international team and travel between Morocco and Canada. Team Members : UM6P – Dr. Johan Jacquemin University Of Waterloo (Waterloo) – Dr. Sushanta Mitra (Mechanical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology), Dr. Milad Kamkar (Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology), Dr. XiaoYu Wu (Mechanical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology) Program Details: UM6P will be the administrative body for the program, where candidates will apply to the UM6P Postdoctoral Program and will be formally employed as a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) by UM6P.  Candidates will be paid through the UM6P administration for the entire length of the program.  The salary is $2,000 USD/month (approximately $2,700 CAD per month), as guaranteed by UM6P for the entirety of the program. Waterloo co-supervisors may offer additional funding support to the candidates for their residency at Waterloo. The amount and duration of additional funding will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The program duration will normally be three years; during this time the residency will be split between the UM6P and Waterloo campuses. Candidates will spend a maximum total residency of two (2) years at Waterloo and a minimum total residency of one (1) year at UM6P. The details and schedule will be determined upon mutual agreement by the candidates and their respective UM6P and Waterloo co-supervisors.  

About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher learning, that is committed to an educational system based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. UM6P is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation. On a specific focus on Africa, UM6P aims to position these fields as the forefront and become a university of international standing. More than just a traditional academic institution, UM6P is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model. In its research approach, the UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions for developing up to date science and at continent level in order to address real challenges. All our programs run as start-ups and can be self-organized when they reach a critical mass. Thus, academic liberty is promoted as far as funding is developed by research teams. The research programs are integrated from long-term research to short-term applications in linkage with incubation and start-up ecosystems. About the Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering (CBS) The Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering Department (CBS) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The main objective of CBS is to set up a distinctive research-teaching program, of international level, to meet the research and teaching challenges of UM6P, in particular on green and environmental chemistry applied to all aspects of chemical sciences: organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, biochemical and thermal reactions. Research at CBS is organized around several major areas, which aim to answer challenging industrial questions, from complex chemical and biochemical reactions to scale-up and validation of process engineering. CBS projects aim at developing in-depth understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying all chemical transformations in order to propose original, and innovative alternatives promoting efficiency, environmental friendliness and sustainability. Job Description As a core component of UM6P, the CBS Department aspires to lead research and teaching at the forefront of innovation. Our scope encompasses green and environmental chemistry across diverse domains: organic and inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, chemical and biochemical processes, and thermal reactions. Research endeavors at CBS blend deep molecular insights with practical applications, aiming to introduce novel, efficient, and sustainable alternatives. CBS is seeking a highly motivated and experienced researcher to join our faculty as an Assistant- Professor in Hydrometallurgy, e.g., hydrometallurgical recovery of resources. The goal of CBS Department is to strengthen research, education, and innovation activities within hydrometallurgical recovery of critical raw materials and hence increase its capacity and expertise to meet upcoming opportunities and challenges. The successful candidate will have a special responsibility for teaching chemical engineering and performing research within hydrometallurgical recovery of critical raw materials, based on a circular and sustainable perspective. He/She will contribute to CBS's Department, and consequently UM6P's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation by engaging in cutting-edge research, delivering high-quality instruction, and actively participating in the development of innovative solutions in the fields of Chemical Engineering. Key Responsibilities: Research Excellence: Drive pioneering research in Hydrometallurgy, with a focus on the development of concepts and methodologies that optimize the design and operation of efficient and sustainable processes.  Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to uncover a large variety of chemical and biochemical processes, and advance green and high-performance chemical transformations. Teaching and Mentorship: Develop and deliver high-impact courses in chemical engineering, focusing on process systems engineering at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Employ innovative pedagogical approaches to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering skills in students. Research Funding: Actively seek external funding opportunities to support research initiatives aligned with UM6P's mission. Lead collaborative efforts to prepare grant proposals, secure resources, and drive impactful research projects. Candidate Criteria Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Hydrometallurgy or a related field, complemented by a suitable research track record. Expertise in the field of Hydrometallurgy is essential, with demonstrated contributions to chemical and process engineering, substantiated by impactful research and publications.  Proven excellence in teaching and mentorship, evidenced by innovative pedagogical approaches and contributions to student learning and development. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a passion for interdisciplinary research and innovation.  Alignment with UM6P's mission of promoting sustainable economic development through research and innovation. Supervision/co-supervision experience at Master’s/PhD level. Application and Selection:  The application folder must contain: Detailed CV,  Cover letter along with a synthetic presentation of the background, research works, projects and activities, publications, key achievements,  Research and teaching plans, entrepreneurial ideas and concepts if any, and services to UM6P community: max 3-4 pages, 2 reference letters. Our Offer Very competitive salary and benefits package. A unique set of research partners and collaborators. Access to a pool of highly motivated and rigorously selected Master and PhD students with financial support.

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University 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 for the future of Africa. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally. About ACER CoE: The center has been recently created to address enduring process challenges in Chemistry and Engineering disciplines and create an environment for interdisciplinary research. The research program of ACER is multidisciplinary, with faculty members from backgrounds in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering focusing on different research fields such as catalysis, separation, energy generation, conversion and storage, and organic optoelectronics intelligent and advanced polymers and materials. Job description: The successful candidate will: Undertake original research of international excellence. Prepare papers for publication in leading journals and/or contribute to the dissemination at national / international conferences, workshops and meetings. Communicate to the research projects team the development, progress and results of research activities. Develop collaborative links with the core scientific staff in related program areas to gain exposure and build knowledge on experimental/research activities and approaches, in order to improve conceptual development and implementation. Identify areas of improvement within the research structure using integrated management approaches in pursuit of capacity building/strengthening and the preservation of scientific rigor in research studies. Support if required, the development of proposals for research funding. Develop undergraduate courses, Master courses and modules. Support the appropriate equipment purchasing and ability to deal with international suppliers. Assist to the supervision of Ph.D. students and guide their research work. Candidate Profile: Due to the multidisciplinary character of ACER CoE, the ideal candidate must have as well a multidisciplinary scientific profile: PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemical Processes or another suitable engineering discipline. Sound background in phosphate-based chemistry Experience in mineral chemistry Knowledge in advanced structural characterizations will be valued. Familiar with risk assessment and safe working procedures in a chemical laboratory. Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English. Good publication track record in peer-reviewed journals. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team. Excellent networking ability and organizational skills. Experience in co-supervision and coordination of master students. Candidature Submission: Applicants should submit: Cover letter outlining research experience, achievements and stating research interests. Curriculum Vitae. List of publications. Name and contact information of three referees who are not current UM6P faculty. Recommendation letter.