ISTI - Postdoctoral Researcher in the Design of Novel Polymer-Based Materials and Functionalized Resins Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), through its Institute of Science, Technology & Innovation (IST&I) in Ben Guerir, Morocco, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the design of novel polymer-based materials and functionalized resins.

This position sits within a research environment focused on applied science, innovation, and solutions for major industrial and environmental challenges in Morocco and Africa. IST&I’s broader agenda includes phosphate-related challenges, resource sustainability, circular economy approaches, and technology development with national and international partners.

The project concerns the formulation and synthesis of advanced synthetic polymers with optimized architectures and tailored functionalities for industrial use, including wastewater treatment, fertilizer coating, and other high-value applications. A second major theme is the synthesis and functionalization of ion-exchange polymeric resins for the selective extraction and recovery of metal ions. The role is therefore highly relevant to researchers with interests in polymer chemistry, functional materials, adsorption, water treatment, and metal recovery.

Applicants should have a PhD in Polymer Science, Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field, together with relevant postdoctoral experience. The posting highlights strong expertise in polymer synthesis, characterization, and functionalization, plus familiarity with analytical and characterization tools such as FTIR, NMR, SEC, TGA, DSC, SEM, XRD, BET, UV-Vis, and ICP-OES/MS. Experience in ion-exchange resin synthesis, green chemistry, circular economy, wastewater treatment, hydrometallurgy, adsorption, or metal recovery is especially valued.

The position also seeks candidates who can work independently while contributing to multidisciplinary and international teams, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and support research proposal development. Supervising graduate students is an advantage. Excellent written and spoken English is required, and French is considered a plus. Strong organizational ability, initiative, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence and technology transfer are emphasized.

Applications should include a detailed CV, a cover letter with a synthetic presentation of background, research work, projects, activities, publications, and key achievements, as well as research and teaching plans, entrepreneurial ideas if relevant, and services to the UM6P community. Contact details for three referees are also required. The application deadline is not specified in the posting.

This is a postdoctoral opportunity rather than a PhD or master’s opening. It is based at UM6P in Ben Guerir, Morocco, within an institution known for applied research, innovation, and collaboration around sustainable development and industrial transformation.