ACER: Post-Doctoral Researchers in Carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields

The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco's frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa.

Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

About ACER CoE: 

The centre has been recently created to address enduring process challenges in Chemistry and Engineering disciplines and create an environment for interdisciplinary research. The research program of ACER is multidisciplinary, with faculty members from backgrounds in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering focusing on different research fields such as catalysis, separation, energy generation, conversion and storage, and organic optoelectronics intelligent and advanced polymers and materials.

Job description:

ACER invites applications for open rank positions to work as post-doctoral researchers in Carbon Negative, Capture, Utilization, and Storage. The research areas that post-doctoral researchers will work on include:

• Pyrolysis, gasification, hydrothermal carbonation, hydrothermal liquefaction, Fisher-Tropsh, etc.
• CO2 capture methods (Chemical and calcium looping, absorption, adsorption, membrane, cryogenic, molten salt, etc.)
• CO2 utilization & conversion to high-value chemicals (e.g., electro/photo chemical CO2 reduction; catalytic chemical conversion; biological; etc.)
• CO2 mineralization in industrial waste

ACER is engaged in pioneering research and development projects to promote innovation in CCUS and carbon-negative pathways. The open rank positions advertised are an excellent opportunity for talented and highly motivated candidates to join a highly-motivated team and contribute to this important and exciting field of research

Position Requirements: 

The primary roles of the chosen candidates are to contribute to the expansion of research programs concerning Carbon Negative, Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration by demonstrating at least some of the following competencies.

• Experimental development, testing, and demonstration of novel CCUS technologies
• Process simulation, cost, life cycle, and social assessment of CCUS value chains
• Reactor design, optimization, and sizing using phenomenological and/or CFD methods
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to interpret and analyze simulation and/or experimental results.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams that involve experimentalists and modelers

Criteria of candidates: 

• PhD in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related disciplines, with focus on reactor and process design and development.
• Strong motivation and passion for research in the field of CCUS/decarbonization/Carbon management.
• Proven ability to perform multidisciplinary research and contribute to funded research programs.
• Proven ability to the planning, sourcing, and development of new initiatives and ongoing research activities.
• Proven ability to identify and fulfill the academic writing requirements for developing proposals, reports, and scientific publications.
• Demonstrated understanding of operational requirements for a successful research project and managing time and resources.
• Good English communication skills, both verbal and written, are important.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.

Application and selection: 

The application folder must contain:

• A cover letter specifying the candidate's motivation in relation to this job profile.
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• Brief research statement.
• Contact information of 3 referees (PhD mentor, postdoctoral mentor if relevant, and a third referee familiar with the applicant's education, research, and entrepreneurial experience). Applicants are assumed to have obtained their references' consent to be contacted for this matter.

UM6P.