Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

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. 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, Chemistry, Crystallography Knowledge in crystallization technics Expertise in solving crystal structure using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Experience in solving crystal structure using powder X-ray diffraction data or electronic diffraction data would be a plus.  Knowledge in advanced structural characterizations will be valued. 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.

About 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.  Description of ACER-CoE: The Centre was established to address enduring process challenges in Chemistry and Engineering disciplines and create an environment for interdisciplinary research. The research program of ACER CoE 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 Catalysis Experience in process engineering including one of these areas: urea synthesis, water splitting, ammonia synthesis or carbon capture. 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. UM6P.

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.