Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Post-Doctoral Fellow Position: Development of innovative biomass processing for nanofibers extraction 13219 Position Summary: We are seeking a motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team. The successful candidate will work on optimizing methods for nanofibers extraction from various types of biomass, focusing on the development of efficient, sustainable, and scalable processes. This role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to advancing renewable materials research. Key duties: Design and execute experiments to optimize fractionation and extraction processes from diverse biomass sources. Investigate thermochemical, mechanical, enzymatic treatment methods or combination thereof to improve extraction efficiency and yield. Develop advanced pre-treatment techniques to enhance the extraction yield. Perform comprehensive kinetic and thermodynamic studies to understand and optimize the extraction processes. Investigate structure-property relationships to correlate the extraction process with the functional performance of nanofibers in various applications. Characterize the extracted cellulose fibers using analytical techniques such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and others. Evaluate the environmental and economic aspects of the developed methods. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, materials scientists, and sustainability experts. Collaborate with industrial partners to assess the commercial potential of the developed processes. Prepare research findings for publication in high-impact journals and present at conferences. Contribute to the development of intellectual property, including patents. Participate in outreach activities to promote sustainability in materials science. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in related projects. Criteria of the candidate: To be considered for this role, you will ideally have: A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Biomass Chemistry, or a related field. Strong foundation in biomass processing, fiber chemistry, or green chemistry principles. Proven experience in designing and optimizing biomass processing methods, including chemical, mechanical, and enzymatic treatments. Knowledge of advanced pre-treatment techniques.  Proficiency in kinetic and thermodynamic modeling of extraction processes. Expertise in using analytical tools (e.g., FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, TEM) for structural, thermal, and mechanical characterization of materials. Familiarity with structure-property relationship studies and their implications for material applications. Excellent problem-solving and experimental design skills. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Qualifications: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field. Strong background in biomass processing and fiber chemistry. Hands-on experience with analytical tools for material characterization. Familiarity with green chemistry principles. Excellent problem-solving and experimental design skills. Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Application and Selection: Application folder must contain: Detailed CV. Motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation A 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.

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 centre 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. Area of Research:  The incumbent will join the Applied Chemistry and Engineering Research Centre of Excellence (ACER CoE) whose responsibility will be to develop and conduct a research program in the development of materials for hydrogen storage and porous materials as agents for applications pertinent to energy and environmental issues. Hence, the successful candidate should develop a wide range of expertise, mainly, in the areas of Gas/Vapor/Liquid adsorption and membrane applications, Reticular chemistry of materials, Porous adsorbents, X-ray crystallography, Spectroscopy, and Topological analysis of inorganic and organic-inorganic hybrid coordination polymers. Job description: The Applied Chemistry and Engineering Research Centre of Excellence (ACER CoE) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position combining skills at the interface between chemistry and chemical engineering under the direction of Prof Youssef Belmabkhout. The successful candidate will develop and conduct applied research programs in chemistry and chemical engineering focusing on designing and development of materials for gas storage applications, gas/vapor/liquid separation purification, sensing and/or waste transformation/energy efficiency. Other duties include advising graduate students and contribution to build up a first-class research-oriented research program at UM6P. The incumbent will be encouraged to collaborate with other researchers in related fields within the centre and within UM6P. The position is open to individuals who hold a Doctoral degree in the subject discipline from a recognized university. The candidate should demonstrate that their PhD work and past experience allow them to have a connection to one or several aspects of the areas of research mentioned above. Very good English communication, both verbal and written, is required. Key duties: Successful candidates are expected to: Conducting scientific research in a team composed of multidisciplinary researchers; Supervise graduate student within ACER CoE; Participate to develop funded research projects and programs in the area in collaboration with multidisciplinary groups in the field; Presenting research results and scientific outcomes to stakeholders and at scientific meetings and conferences; Publish research results in peer-reviewed and high impact international academic journals of the field. Criteria of the candidate:  PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering or other related fields from a recognized University; Demonstrated understanding of research excellence and operational requirements to achieve successful/high-quality research; Publication record in leading international and well ranked journals, preferably on the design and preparation of porous materials for gas/vapor adsorptive and membrane separations; Experience in developing and validating methods, operating and troubleshooting different gas/vapor adsorption/membrane testing instruments; Willingness to learn how to generate new ideas, links, and to build upon existing ideas to generate good concepts and solutions; Ability to co-supervise graduate students; Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English language; Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects; Enthusiasm towards generating new ideas and passion for solving challenging problems that require complex creative solutions. Skills: The candidate must have demonstrated a research activity in most of the following disciplinary fields: Synthesis of porous materials (such as MOFs, zeolites or other silica-based materials); Experience in characterization of porous materials using various techniques such as BET, TGA-DSC¬MS, PXRD, SXRD, FTIR, NMR, SEM, XPS, etc. and technical skills on the manipulation of most of those instruments; Experience in the use of academic databases (CCDC, RCSR, ...) and softwares (Material Studio, Diamond, Origin, ....); Evidence of experience in adsorptive or/and membrane separation technologies. Applications must be submitted online in a single electronic zipped folder with the mention of the job title ("Postdotoral fellow in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering" The folder must contain: A cover letter indicating the position applied for and the main research interests. A detailed CV. Brief research proposal. The short-listed candidates will be invited to meet the university selection committee and will be asked to provide a list of three references.

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 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, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology and process engineering. 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 an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of all transformations in order to propose new original alternatives in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness and sustainability. Job Description: We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified post-doctoral researcher to join our research team for a groundbreaking project focused on the development of green and sustainable electrochemical methodologies for the synthesis of phosphorus derivatives. This research project aims to address the growing demand for phosphorus-based chemicals while mitigating the environmental impact associated with their production. Expertise in molten salt and/or phosphate electrochemistry would be a plus for this position. Responsibilities: As a Post-Doctoral Researcher, your responsibilities will include: Green Electrochemical Synthesis: Conducting research to establish innovative and environmentally friendly electrochemical procedures for the production of green phosphorus intermediates, focusing on the creation of various P-X bonds using electrochemical redox reactions, sequential in-situ transformations, catalysis, and other related techniques. Experimental Validation: Designing and conducting experiments at laboratory and pilot scales to validate the feasibility and scalability of the developed processes for potential industrial applications. Analysis and Characterization: Employing a wide range of analytical techniques, including EM, SEM, AFM, XPS, UV-Vis, IR, cyclic voltammetry, and NMR to comprehensively characterize synthesized compounds and intermediates. Synthesis and Mechanistic Design: Contributing to the design and synthesis of novel phosphorus derivatives while gaining insights into mechanistic aspects of the electrochemical reactions. Sustainability: Ensuring that all research activities align with green and sustainable principles, with a focus on minimizing the carbon footprint of phosphorus derivative synthesis. Publication and Reporting: Collaborating with the research team to write scientific reports, prepare research publications, and effectively present results and data analysis in both French Candidate Criteria Ph.D. in Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a related field, with a strong background in electrochemical methods. Proven experience in the development of green and sustainable electrochemical methodologies, and electrochemical synthesis. Solid knowledge of electrochemistry, chemical analyses, and structural characterizations using techniques such as EM, SEM, AFM, XPS, UV-Vis, IR, cyclic voltammetry, NMR, etc. Motivated, adaptable, and able to work collaboratively within a research team. Proficiency in scientific writing, report preparation, and communication skills in both French and English. 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. UM6P.