Professor in Catalytic Conversion of Biomass

About the role

The Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat-RC) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is inviting applications for a faculty position in the catalytic conversion of biomass and its components. The center develops advanced biobased products using biotechnological, physical and chemical conversion strategies, and the successful candidate will plan, develop and carry out applied research turning biomass (lignin, cellulose, oils, etc.) into chemicals and biofuels via catalytic and green chemical pathways.

Key responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of catalytic conversion of biomass within SusMat-RC.
• Share knowledge and findings with researchers at UM6P, external clients and collaborators.
• Collaborate with SusMat-RC researchers on new concepts for sustainable materials and their industrial applications.
• Design and teach advanced courses on catalysis, biomass conversion and green chemistry for Master and PhD students.
• Help turn applied research into engineering solutions across TRL levels 3 to 9, and work with companies and consortia to commercialize innovations.
• Contribute to manuscripts, patents and research proposals, and help manage the center.
• Co-supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
• Communicate fluently in English and French, verbally and in writing, and represent the center at conferences and workshops.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• At least 5 years of professional experience after the PhD, including postdoctoral work; industrial experience is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, lead and maintain research programs, and good experience supervising M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.
• Fluent in English and French, spoken and written.

Required skills

• Heterogeneous catalysis, catalyst synthesis and characterization.
• Thermochemical conversion of biomass, including pyrolysis and hydrothermal processing.
• Chemistry of renewable resources, processing, fractionation and cracking of biomass.
• Leadership, project management and teaching skills; first-hand experience in entrepreneurship or start-ups is a strong asset.