Postdoc Researcher, Mineral Processing, Battery Materials & Sustainable Process Engineering

About the role

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University's Materials Science, Energy and Nano-engineering (MSN) department is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in Mineral Processing, Battery Materials and Sustainable Process Engineering. The researcher joins a multidisciplinary programme focused on optimising natural graphite for Li-ion batteries, developing sustainable purification technologies and advancing circular water management in mineral processing. The work covers mineral processing, electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy and environmental engineering.

Key responsibilities

• Help design and set up experimental work at laboratory and pilot scale.
• Perform materials characterisation (XRD, Raman, SEM-EDS, TGA, PSD, BET, ICP).
• Apply Design of Experiments and statistical optimisation to improve processes.
• Fabricate and test graphite anodes using electrochemical techniques (CV, EIS, galvanostatic cycling).
• Link purification conditions, structural properties and electrochemical performance.
• Contribute to side projects on biomass-derived biochar, water purification and adsorption/catalysis.
• Analyse wastewater for contaminants, evaluate recovery of reagents and by-products, and assess environmental, economic and regulatory implications.
• Propose scalable solutions and propose patents and write proposals, reports and scientific articles.
• Collaborate with suppliers, support staff and colleagues to plan experiments, set up tests and acquire data.

Required profile

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical or Process Engineering, Mineral Processing or a closely related field.
• Experience in hydrometallurgy, thermochemical processes, carbon purification or mineral processing; pyrolysis or high-temperature treatments are an asset.
• Pilot-scale experience is a plus; industrial R&D or battery/mineral processing experience is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and meet deadlines with industry partners.

Required skills

• Materials characterisation: SEM, XRD, Raman, BET, TGA, ICP and electrochemical testing.
• Software for materials/process modelling, thermochemical systems, statistical design (DoE) and data analysis.
• Understanding of carbon materials, battery materials and structure-property relationships.