Postdoctoral researcher – bioinspired circular conversion of biomass

About the role

The International Water Research Institute (IWRI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University seeks a postdoctoral researcher to lead an interdisciplinary program focused on bioinspired, circular‑economy materials derived from multi‑source biomass. The work aims to develop water‑retentive, nutrient‑stabilising systems for climate‑smart agriculture.

Key responsibilities

• Design, synthesize and optimise supramolecular materials from marine and lignocellulosic feedstocks.
• Develop nutrient‑enriched biostimulant matrices that couple water retention with plant nutrition.
• Perform comprehensive physicochemical characterisation (FTIR, UV‑Vis, XRD, DLS, SEM‑EDS, TEM, TGA/DSC).
• Conduct greenhouse and laboratory experiments to evaluate water retention, soil hydration and plant performance under water stress.
• Publish high‑impact peer‑reviewed articles and present findings at international conferences.
• Mentor and co‑supervise Master’s and PhD students.

Required profile

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related discipline.
• Proven experience in sustainable processing of multi‑source biomass feedstocks and development of biobased or bio‑inspired materials.
• Strong background in biopolymer modification, supramolecular assembly and biobased hydrogels.
• Track record of peer‑reviewed publications and technical reporting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Required skills

• FTIR spectroscopy
• UV‑Vis spectroscopy
• X‑ray diffraction (XRD)
• Dynamic light scattering (DLS)
• Scanning electron microscopy with EDS (SEM‑EDS)
• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
• Thermogravimetric analysis / differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC)
• Physicochemical characterisation of biopolymers
• Design and synthesis of biobased hydrogels
• Greenhouse experimental techniques for water‑stress studies