Postdoctoral Fellowships: Development of Multifunctional Hydrogels for Agricultural Applications (2 positions) Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco

This postdoctoral opportunity at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) offers two positions focused on the development of multifunctional bio-sourced hydrogels for agricultural applications. The project is a collaboration between the Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMaT-RC) at UM6P and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), supervised by Professor Youssef Habibi. The research aims to convert locally abundant biomass into high-value components, integrating these with fertilizers and biobased additives through sustainable methods to produce advanced hydrogels. These materials are intended to address agricultural challenges and support the transition toward a green and circular economy in Morocco and Africa.

Successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary team and are expected to have hands-on experience in hydrogel formulation, biopolymer processing, and porous material development, including design, fabrication, and characterization. Familiarity with analytical, spectroscopic, and microscopic techniques is essential. The role involves rigorous testing of materials, collaboration with chemists, polymer specialists, and engineers, maintaining detailed experimental records, and drafting technical reports and scientific publications. Candidates will also contribute to proposal writing and may supervise undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. Short-term travel to the United States for work assignments is required.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in physical chemical and analytical chemistry, chemistry, polymer science, materials science and engineering, or related fields. Strong organizational skills, initiative, self-motivation, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and excellent communication skills in English are required. The Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat-RC) is dedicated to developing biobased products using biotechnological, physical, and chemical conversion strategies, with a focus on understanding structure-property relationships across multiple scales.

UM6P, located in Benguerir, Morocco, is a leading institution with state-of-the-art infrastructure, serving Morocco and the African continent through applied research and innovation. The university fosters an extensive academic and research network and seeks outstanding academics to promote innovation in the region.

Applications are evaluated immediately due to project urgency. Interested candidates should submit an updated CV or résumé, two letters of recommendation, and a one-page statement outlining their skills and motivation for the role. Apply online using the provided link.