Assistant Professor in Bio-Chemical Process Design

About the role

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is hiring an Assistant Professor in Bio-Chemical Process Design for its Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering department. The successful candidate will lead the design, simulation, implementation and optimization of chemical and biochemical processes, especially continuous ones, with applications in the chemical, agricultural and biotechnological industries. The role bridges R&D and entrepreneurship in a multidisciplinary, collaborative ecosystem.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the group's activities in chemical process design, simulation, implementation and optimization at macro-lab, pre-pilot and pilot scales.
• Interact with scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs in the group and with external clients and collaborators, and contribute to the group's entrepreneurial activities.
• Supervise graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows and co-supervise engineers and technicians.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts and invention disclosures, assist with research proposals and help manage the group's administration.
• Develop new industrial processes, design or optimize process plants and equipment, test new processes and troubleshoot plant problems.
• Oversee the construction and operation of pre-pilot and pilot plants, purchase and install equipment, and liaise with installation and project engineers.
• Ensure equipment meets specifications and capacities, assess safety and environmental issues and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Design continuous manufacturing processes and the layout and equipment of pre-pilot and pilot plants, using simulation software.
• Deliver process engineering solutions across the technology readiness levels from innovation to product manufacturing (TRL 5-9) and identify commercial partners with industry, research institutions and government agencies.
• Communicate effectively in English verbally and in writing, representing the group at conferences, meetings and workshops.

Required profile

• PhD in chemical engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field, with a focus on process engineering in the chemical, cement, fertilizer and/or paint industries.
• Candidates with an engineering degree and at least 5 years of professional experience in R&D and process engineering may also apply.
• Thorough knowledge of bio/chemical process components such as piping, pumps, reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers, PLCs and PID controllers.
• Effective communication in English.