UM6P – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University operates within a strongly innovation-driven culture, where creativity, experimentation and intellectual boldness are key foundations. The university promotes initiative, openness and autonomy in a stimulating environment focused on research, entrepreneurship and impact. This innovative mindset is reinforced by a solid cooperative dimension, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing and human development. A clear focus on performance and excellence further supports this culture, while formal processes remain lighter to maintain agility and flexibility. [+]

Area of Specialization: Inorganic Material Synthesis, Hydrometallurgy, Electrochemical Energy Storage

Number of Positions Available: 1

Contract: CDD

Place: UM6P MSN Department (Benguerir)

We are seeking a Research Assistant (Min. Bac+5) to drive fundamental and applied research in the extraction, purification, and valorization of vanadium and silicates from spent catalysts, and their integration into advanced energy storage systems.

Key Responsibilities

· Hydrometallurgical Extraction & Purification: Design and optimize vanadium extraction routes; develop purification strategies to obtain battery-grade vanadium; work on silicate recovery and purification.

· Materials Synthesis and Applications: Prepare and optimize vanadium electrolytes for vanadium redox flow batteries; develop vanadium-based cathode materials for Na-ion batteries (e.g., NVP, NVPF, NVPFO); investigate the use of purified silicate for phosphoric acid defluorination and as anode precursor for Li-ion/Na-ion batteries.

· Advanced Characterization & Performance Evaluation: Characterize solid and liquid samples using XRD, SEM/EDS, ICP-OES, FTIR, Raman, TGA/DSC, BET; evaluate electrochemical performance using CV, EIS, and galvanostatic cycling.

· Project Management and Dissemination: Contribute to experimental planning, data analysis and reporting; assist in supervision of students; prepare scientific manuscripts, presentations and project reports.

Required Qualifications

· Masters degree (Bac+5) or equivalent in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

· Expertise in at least one of the following: hydrometallurgy / inorganic process chemistry; battery materials synthesis (Li-ion / Na-ion); electrochemical energy storage (VRFB, Li-ion, Na-ion).

· Hands-on experience with materials characterization and electrochemical testing.

· Ability to work independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team.

· Strong scientific writing skills and good communication in English (French is an asset).