Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioinspired Circular Conversion of Biomass Feedstocks

About the role

The International Water Research Institute (IWRI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary programme at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) focused on bioinspired, circular-economy materials for water retention, soil hydration and sustainable agriculture. The project designs supramolecular materials from biomass for water-stress mitigation, nutrient retention and soil regeneration.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out original research on bioinspired materials, biostimulant matrices and water-retentive biobased systems.
• Develop nutrient-enriched biostimulant matrices and synthesize, optimise and characterise functional materials from marine and lignocellulosic feedstocks.
• Perform physicochemical characterisation (FTIR, UV-Vis, XRD, DLS, SEM-EDS, TEM, TGA/DSC).
• Publish peer-reviewed articles, present at international conferences and contribute to research proposals and technology transfer projects.
• Mentor and co-supervise Master's and PhD students.
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers and improve research workflows using DOE and optimisation approaches.

Required profile

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related field.
• Experience in sustainable processing of multi-source biomass and in biobased/bio-inspired materials.
• Strong experience in biopolymers, their modification and supramolecular assembly.
• Experience with biobased hydrogels or hydrated colloidal systems; experience with biostimulants or eco-friendly soil conditioners is an asset.
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and strong English communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary, multicultural team, with good networking and organisational skills.
• Commitment to lab safety and research integrity.

Required skills

• Physicochemical characterisation: FTIR, UV-Vis, XRD, DLS, SEM-EDS, TEM, TGA/DSC
• Greenhouse or laboratory experiments on water retention, soil hydration and plant germination
• Co-supervision of Master's and PhD students

Candidates apply by submitting a cover letter, CV, research statement, list of publications and two references.