MSN: Postdoctoral Researcher in electrocatalysis for green energy

About UM6P:

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a prestigious higher education institution situated in the Green city of Benguerir. Its core mission revolves around the promotion of education, training, teaching, applied research, and innovation. UM6P boasts cutting-edge infrastructure and an extensive academic and research network. The university is wholeheartedly dedicated to fostering economic and human development. The university is dedicated to serving the African continent by prioritizing research and innovation. It is firmly committed to delivering training in relevant skills to bolster the innovation ecosystem not only in Morocco but also across Africa. UM6P's distinctive partnership approach enhances its standing as a pioneer in these fields, and the university strives to excel on national, continental, and global scales as a premier institution for education and research. UM6P provides highly competitive incentives to both its existing and prospective, talented research staff.

About MSN department

The Materials Science, Energy, and nano-engineering (MSN) is a department at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University that aims to makes use of innovative research and education in order to promote solution development and entrepreneurship (in the context of Moroccan and African challenges), while training the next generation top scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Research at MSN is organized in 4 research areas: Energy transition, Surface technology, Polymers and composites, and sustainable materials. With more than 70 researchers and PhD students and several national and international partners, MSN is emerging as a strong actor in the Moroccan materials research scene. The department coordinates Master program in Materials science and engineering as well as several executive master programs

Job description :

MSN-UM6P is currently accepting applications for open-rank position for post-doctoral researchers to design and test electrocatalysts for energy applications including water electrolysis, CO2 and N2 conversion, etc. The duty that post-doctoral researcher fellow will be related to hydrogen production via electrolysis including: 

• Conduct research in electrocatalysis for energy 
• Computational materials science: Perform detailed computational simulations of electrochemical and chemical systems using appropriate software and methods. 
• Theoretical Simulation and modeling using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and other theoretical methods.   
• Material Properties Prediction: Predict material properties relevant to electrochemical and chemical applications, such as composition, electronic structure, redox proprieties, and transport properties. 
• Collaboration with Experimentalists: Collaborate with experimental researchers to validate and enhance the understanding of electrochemical and chemical processes and reactions by combining experimental finding with the theoretical simulations 
• Proficiency in programming languages, particularly Python, for adept data manipulation, processing, and visualization in a research environment. 
• Computational theoretical skills to simulate battery cycling properties, as well as the evolution of HER (Hydrogen Evolution Reaction) and OER (Oxygen Evolution Reaction) 
• Present and report in national, international conferences publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Support if required, other research projects.

Position Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline completed within the last 5 years.
• Strong background in theoretical simulation and modeling.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent skills and understanding in physics and chemistry of materials
• Good skills in material synthesis and characterization
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team, to set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Application and selection

The application must include the following: 

• A cover letter outlining the candidate's motivation for this job profile.
• Detailed curriculum vitae.
• Brief research statement.
• Two letters of reference with contact information of referees.

Deadline: The selection process ends once the candidates are selected.

Start of contract: As soon as possible.