Postdoctoral Position in Mineral Thermal Processing & Pyrometallurgy

About the role

The Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University seeks an 18‑month postdoctoral researcher to advance high‑temperature processing of mineral resources, focusing on complex and secondary ores.

Key responsibilities

• Develop innovative thermal processes such as calcination, roasting and smelting.
• Study thermal and physicochemical properties of minerals.
• Design and execute laboratory‑scale and pilot‑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 proficiency is a plus.

Required skills

• XRD
• TGA/DSC
• SEM
• Muffle furnace operation
• Tubular reactor usage
• Pilot‑scale kiln handling
• FactSage (thermodynamic simulation)
• Thermo‑Calc (thermodynamic simulation)

What we offer

• 18‑month fixed‑term contract funded by the OCP Group.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities.
• Opportunity to work on industry‑linked research projects.