Jyvaskyla University - School of Business and Economics

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Development and Characterization of Organic Membranes for Applications in Electrodialysis and Capacitive Deionization Systems The CBS department of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is launching a call for applications for a postdoctoral fellow with expertise in laboratory or pilot scale membrane fabrication and characterization, as well as in the characterization of the physical, chemical, and separation properties of membranes. In-depth knowledge of the properties of materials used in membrane manufacturing, including the selection of appropriate materials based on performance requirements is required. The postdoctoral fellow will join the CBS-IGSAC department where he will be responsible for participating in the conduct of a research program on the valorization of phosphate by-products and its derivatives in order to develop and carry out studies on membrane techniques allowing the separation, concentration, recovery or destruction of certain elements. Thus, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the realization of a wide range of scale-up studies of a membrane manufacturing process to validate the selection of the appropriate design to desalinate brackish water and/or seawater. Job description: The position is open to candidates with a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognized university. Candidates must demonstrate that their doctoral work and past experience are related to one or more aspects of membrane manufacturing. Preference will be given to candidates with: Experience in the separation/purification of industrial effluents, particularly with membrane/electromembrane processes, Proven experience in the precipitation of value-added elements through separation methods, Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Fluency in English is a must. Candidate Criteria: Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or other related fields from a recognized university. Willingness to learn how to generate new ideas, form new connections, and build on existing ideas to develop effective concepts and solutions. Ability to supervise Ph.D. students. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Expected Activities: Conduct scientific research within the project team. Train and supervise Ph.D. students in their second and third years to prepare them for their defense. Conduct electrolysis/electrodialysis and membrane separation experiments. Monitor ongoing experiments and adjust settings as appropriate. Maintain high standards and quality in laboratory operations. Position Requirements: Expertise in materials chemistry and polymers. Competence in materials characterization. Knowledge of polymer membrane preparation and characterization. Understanding of electrochemistry. Expertise in membrane separation techniques. Ability to design and conduct electrolysis and electrodialysis experiments. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to interpret and analyze simulation and/or experimental results. Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and quality control measures. Capability to work collaboratively within a research team. Application and Selection Process: The application package must include: A cover letter detailing the candidate's motivation for applying to this position. A comprehensive curriculum vitae. Brief research statement. Contact information for three referees. The candidate must be highly motivated and capable of working independently. They should possess knowledge of materials and polymer science, along with experience in the preparation and characterization of polymer membranes. Additionally, familiarity with electrochemistry and membrane separation technology would be advantageous.

About UM6P: Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, MohammedVI 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 MSN department: The Department of Materials Science, Energy, and nano-Engineering (MSN) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco has been in operation for 4 years and during that time expanded quite substantially. The number of employees is around 42, including 13 professors, 24 guest professors, 15 post-Doctoral fellows, 40 PhD students, and 52 Executive Master students. The department is organized in 4 Scientific Areas: Energy (batteries and hydrogen), Polymers and Composite Materials, Surface Science, and Sustainable Materials and Re-cycling. Description of the position and duties: The position is devoted to organic synthesis and studies of ion conducting polymers and polymer-based membranes (anion and cation exchange membranes). These materials will be used in hydrogen fuel cells and for water electrolyzer (alkaline and PEM). The research will focus on developing synthetic strategies and know how to design, to synthesis and functionalize these materials from the molecular level to achieve membranes with high selectivity, conductivity, and stability. The candidate is expected to have an extensive experience in chemistry of polymers and organic synthesis, development of new monomers, ionomers, ionogels, oligomers and polymers along with chemical modification and post- polymerization modification, polymer characterization, preparation of functional membranes, as well as analysis of ion selectivity and conductivity, mechanical and thermal properties with a focus on thermochemical stability and aging, membrane testing to determine IEC, transference number and selectivity, chemical stability and assembling/testing with electrodes. The successful candidate is expected to contribute and establish active research in the field of selective membranes for water electrolysis to produce hydrogen and for fuel cells within the hydrogen group at the MSN department and to participate indifferent activities of the department. The applicant must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, polymer chemistry. Extensive experience in membrane development, testing and polymer synthesis, functionalization, modification, are mandatory. Knowledge or mastering computational fluid dynamics software and modeling tools to simulate and study fluid flow through porous electrode, membranes, electrode membrane assembly (MEA) for electrolysis and fuel cells will be an asset. Preference will be given to applicants with excellent and relevant R&D along with excellent publication track record. Good communication skills, both verbal and writing are mandatory in English.

POSTDOC POSITION IN ADVANCED COATING OF LFP MATERIALS – IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, CANADA We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to explore advanced coating techniques for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) materials. This role focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions to enhance the performance of LFP batteries, with a particular emphasis on advanced material coating strategies. The project addresses the growing need to improve the surface properties and stability of LFP materials, especially under high-performance applications. Traditional methods for coating and stabilizing LFP cathodes often face limitations in durability and electrochemical efficiency. This research aims to overcome these challenges by applying innovative coating techniques using polymer- and nanomaterial-based coatings. These advanced coatings will enhance not only the chemical and thermal stability of the LFP materials but also improve their electrochemical performance, surface area, and selective permeability. The successful candidate will investigate methods to coating active materials, such as nanostructured coatings, to protect the LFP particles while optimizing their performance in high-energy-density applications. The coated LFP materials should exhibit superior mechanical and chemical resilience, ensuring that the coatings maintain their structural integrity during industrial-scale operations. Key research areas include: Developing novel polymer- or nanomaterial-based shells to coat the LFP particles Enhancing the surface properties of the coatings to selectively permit ion diffusion, increasing the electrochemical performance while reducing unwanted reactions. Ensuring that the coated LFP materials remain stable under high-voltage and cycling conditions typical in energy storage applications. Focusing on scaling these advanced materials for industrial applications, from traditional battery technologies to more innovative energy storage systems. This position will contribute to the next generation of LFP-based batteries, improving their safety, efficiency, and overall performance for sustainable energy storage solutions. 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: PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related subject. Expertise in electrochemistry, polymer chemistry, and materials synthesis. Proficient in the materials (polymers and nanomaterials) characterization. Solid knowledge and experience in polymer coating and LFP or other battery electrode materials. Hands-on experience in battery fabrication and characterization. Familiarity with energy storage technologies is 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 electrochemistry. 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. Mouad Dahbi – Dr. Mohamed Aqil University Of Waterloo (Waterloo) – Dr. Yuning Li (Department of Chemical 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 total residency of one year and half (1.5) years at Waterloo and a total residency of one year and half (1.5) year at UM6P. The details and schedule will be determined upon mutual agreement by the candidates and their respective UM6P and Waterloo co-supervisors.