Postdoctoral Position in Mineral Thermal Processing and Pyrometallurgy

About the role

The Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) seeks an 18‑month postdoctoral researcher to advance high‑temperature processes for mineral transformation, upgrading, and enrichment, with a focus on complex or secondary ores.

Key responsibilities

• Develop innovative thermal processes such as calcination, roasting, and smelting.
• Study thermal and physicochemical properties of minerals.
• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory‑scale thermal treatment experiments.
• Optimize pyrometallurgical flow sheets for value‑added material production.
• Perform product characterization, process modelling, and techno‑economic evaluation.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Materials Chemistry or a related field with a focus on pyrometallurgy or mineral thermal processing.
• Strong background in material characterization techniques.
• Hands‑on experience with muffle furnaces, tubular reactors or pilot‑scale kilns.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and communicate results in English.
• French language skills are a plus.

Required skills

• X‑ray diffraction (XRD)
• Thermogravimetric/Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA/DSC)
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Muffle furnace operation
• Tubular reactor handling
• Pilot‑scale kiln usage
• Thermodynamic simulation software (FactSage, Thermo‑Calc)

What we offer

• Fixed‑term 18‑month contract linked to industry‑driven research projects funded by the OCP Group.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and collaborative research environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge mineral processing and extractive metallurgy research.