Postdoctoral Fellow in Desalination and Water Treatment

Job Description

The International Water Research Institute (IWRI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in desalination and water treatment, within the framework of an applied research project.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with demonstrated expertise in seawater desalination pretreatment, with a particular emphasis on the Membrane-Based Processes. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, optimization, and scale-up of advanced pretreatment solutions for seawater desalination.

The selected candidate will join a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment, characterized by a strong tradition of integrating fundamental research with applied engineering to deliver impactful, real-world solutions to pressing water challenges.

Key Duties

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Seawater monitoring and characterization: Planning and conducting periodic sampling campaigns of raw seawater, and monitoring its physicochemical and biological quality.
• Data analysis and modeling: Processing and analyzing seawater quality data and developing statistical and mathematical models to correlate feed-water characteristics with pretreatment performance.
• System design and laboratory experimentation: Designing, assembling, and operating a lab-scale Membrane-Based system for seawater pretreatment, including system configuration, optimization, and performance validation.
• Operation and maintenance protocol development: Developing and implementing a comprehensive operation and maintenance (O&M) protocol to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Membrane-Based system.
• Pilot-scale testing and field deployment: Organizing and conducting field missions and pilot-scale trials to assess the efficiency, robustness, and operational behavior of the Membrane-Based pretreatment process under real seawater conditions.
• Performance assessment and process optimization: Collecting and interpreting operational data, diagnosing performance limitations or fouling issues, and proposing data-driven corrective actions and process improvements.
• Reporting and knowledge transfer: Preparing high-quality technical reports, datasets, presentations, and documentation for internal team.
• Scientific dissemination: Contributing to peer-reviewed scientific publications and presenting research outcomes at national and international conferences.

Qualifications & Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Water-Process Engineering, Membrane Materials and Processes, or a closely related discipline.
• Relevant experience in desalination and/or filtration systems, at laboratory, pilot, or industrial scale.
• A strong background in ceramic membrane materials and processes is a significant advantage.
• Mandatory hands-on experience with water treatment processes.
• Experience in water quality analysis for evaluating and monitoring the performance of water treatment systems.
• Proven experience in leading or contributing to research projects is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to generate innovative ideas, build upon existing concepts, and develop novel, practical solutions.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments.
• Fluency in English and French, both written and spoken.
• Demonstrated ability to write high-quality scientific manuscripts suitable for publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork and project-related activities; a valid driver’s license is required.

Contract Type: 1-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

Starting Date: As soon as possible.