Osaka University of Human Sciences

AgroBioSciences Program (AgBS) College of Sustainable Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (CSAES) Mohammed VI Polytechnic University Host institution: 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. Host program: College of sustainable agriculture and environmental sciences, AgroBiosciences Program. Job description: We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified post-doctoral researcher to join our research group for an exciting project on biopesticide formulation as sustainable tools for the control of insect pests of some major crops. The selected candidate is expected to: Design and develop versatile biopesticide formulations using some effective natural products and bioresources, including entomopathogenic microorganisms, essential oils, and plant extracts. Characterize the physicochemical properties of the developed formulations and their potential impact on pathogenicity, compatibility, and stability of the active ingredients. Design and implement laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments to evaluate the activity of the developed biopesticides. Assist with rearing and maintenance of insects and plants; Supervision of graduate and postgraduate research projects; Co and lead-authorship of project reports, patents, presentations and published papers; Selection criteria: The position is open for candidates holding a PhD relating to crop protection, complete in the past five years. Experience in formulation technology and chemical characterization techniques, as well as a strong publication record are considered as advantages. Application documents: Covering letter A detailed CV including the list of publications; A synthetic description of research background, relevant research projects and activities, key publications and achievements, and future research interests; Contact detailed for two reference persons; Other documents that the candidate considers important for the recruitment process. Selection process:  The applications will be reviewed by a scientific committee. Eligible candidates will be invited for an interview.

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.

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)