Freetown Polytechnic

Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher – Potash brine and phosphogypsum valorization. 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 potash brine and phosphogypsum, with a specific focus on bioleaching technologies. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing the use of environmentally friendly bioleaching techniques for the extraction of valuable resources from these industrial by-products. The project embedded in a circular economy approach aimed at reducing environmental impacts while creating value from industrial co-products, namely phosphogypsum and residual brines generated by sedimentary potash processing activities. The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the valorization of each material separately through physicochemical and biological approaches, with the objective of identifying optimal pathways for resource recovery. The project will also focus on the combined treatment of phosphogypsum and brines, studying the synergistic and symbiotic effects arising from their interaction within integrated bioprocesses. This work will contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable strategies for the recovery of sulfur, magnesium, potassium and other valuable elements from industrial residues. Area of Research: Valorization of industrial by-products derived from sedimentary potash processing and phosphoric acid production. The research will involve physicochemical and biological treatment approaches for potash brines and phosphogypsum, as well as the development of integrated processes exploiting potential synergistic effects between both materials within a circular economy framework. Main responsibilities: Conduct a comprehensive literature review on potash brine management, phosphogypsum valorization, and related physicochemical and biological processing routes. Perform chemical, mineralogical, and physicochemical characterization of potash brines and phosphogypsum. Design and carry out laboratory-scale experiments to investigate separate valorization pathways for brines and phosphogypsum; Develop and evaluate integrated treatment strategies combining both materials, with particular attention to synergistic and symbiotic effects; Study process parameters affecting the recovery of sulfur, magnesium, potassium, and other valuable elements; Analyze, interpret, and synthesize experimental results to support process optimization; Contribute to the assessment of the environmental and sustainability performance of the developed processes; Prepare scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations; Candidate Profile: Required qualifications : PhD in chemical Engineering, biotechnology or related discipline. Proven experience in mineral characterization, liquid analysis and process development; Strong background in solution chemistry and bioprocessing; Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; Strong scientific writing and communication abilities in English; Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research environment. Application Documents: Interested candidates should submit the following documents: Cover letter Detailed CV List of publications Copies of diplomas Professional references (minimum of 2) 

Full-time appointment on a tenurable basis. Base salary range: Level B, $118,150 – $139,812 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation. About the area The School of Biological Sciences is a large and multidisciplinary team of more than 100 high-calibre academic and professional staff delivering world-class education and research programs to approximately 1000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The School is responsible for the supervision of ~150 PhD students, reflecting research strengths and expertise in the disciplines of Zoology, Computational Biology, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Marine Biology, Neuroscience, Plant Biology and Science Communication. Many of our team are also active members of the UWA Oceans Institute and the UWA Institute of Agriculture, which further nurtures cross-disciplinary research and educators to serve the needs of Western Australia, Australia and the world. About the opportunity Deliver high-quality, innovative teaching in zoology and general biology, including field-based learning, while supporting and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students. Build a developing research profile in terrestrial zoology through publications, grant applications, and collaboration within research groups. Contribute to service, engagement and academic governance, including industry and community partnerships, while supporting an inclusive and collaborative School culture. About you PhD in an academic field relevant to the discipline or other higher professional qualifications appropriate to the discipline. Demonstrated record of strong communication skills, including science communication beyond academic colleagues. Experience, relative to opportunity, in contributing to the development and delivery of a breadth of curricula and the use of innovative teaching and/or communication approaches, assessments and materials for units, courses and other knowledge-transfer situations. A strong track record relative to opportunity of excellence in research at a national level evidenced by peer-reviewed journal articles published in high-quality journals. Demonstrated evidence of research leadership relative to opportunity, including collaborations with internal and external colleagues. Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations. A “C” class driver’s licence will be required by the successful applicant. Position description: PD [Lecturer (Zoology)] [523067].pdf To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Greg Skrzypek at grzegorz.skrzypek@uwa.edu.au How to apply Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria. You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity. Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Sunday, 10 May 2026  This position is open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia, as well as international applicants. Benefits Flexible working options. Generous paid leave including parental leave. Up to 17% employer paid superannuation. Salary packaging available. Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service. Discounted UWA course fees. Discounted health insurance. Employee Assistance Program. About the University The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university. Learn more about us. Our commitment to inclusion and diversity UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability. If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process. If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at people@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.

Description The Center for Astrophysics and Space Science (CASS) at NYUAD is looking to appoint new independent fellows working in one (or more) of the following center's research fields Extrasolar Planets Galactic Astrophysics (including compact objects) Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology Astroparticle Physics (Dark Matter searches, gamma-ray spectroscopy, gravitational waves) The center currently consists of eight faculty members and more than 25 researchers and PhD students. The Center possesses the unique possibility to investigate fundamental questions in astrophysics, astroparticle physics, and planetary physics from several points of view, with the expertise of its members ranging from collecting and analyzing state-of-the-art data on the nature of the visible and invisible matter in the Universe, to detailed theoretical and numerical studies from planets to galaxies, and linking them together cohesively. We expect successful applicants to work towards improving the collaborations and connections among the different areas. We invite applicants to visit our website to learn more about current research projects at CASS. The center fellows will have access to a 70,000-core Infiniband Cluster (Jubail) dedicated to the science division, several GPU-based clusters at NYUAD, and other supercomputer facilities through the CASS network. NYUAD also has guaranteed observing time on the Green Bank Telescope, the Very Long Baseline Array, and Las Cumbres Observatory, and is a participant in SDSS-V. Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, or a closely related field. The appointment will be for an initial period of two years with a likely extension to a total of three years. CASS fellows will have dedicated funds for traveling, computing, publications, etc. The preferred starting date is Fall of 2026. Applicants need to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief (ideally 2-3 pages) statement of research interests, transcript and three letters of recommendation. Applicants are strongly encouraged to outline in their research statement how they plan to help create connections between the different research areas of the CASS. Applications received before November 30, 2025, will receive full consideration, positions will stay open until filled. If you have any questions, please e-mail Prof. Andrea V. Macciò (Center director) maccio@nyu.edu The terms of employment include a very competitive salary, housing allowance, medical insurance, educational subsidies for children, and other benefits. Please note that the UAE does not levy income tax. About NYU Abu Dhabi https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/ NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents. NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.