CBS - Postdoctoral Researcher in Reverse Osmosis Membrane Cleaning and Fouling Control

About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher learning, that is committed to an educational system based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. UM6P is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation. On a specific focus on Africa, UM6P aims to position these fields as the forefront and become a university of international standing.

More than just a traditional academic institution, UM6P is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors, and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model.

In its research approach, the UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions for developing up to date science and at continent level in order to address real challenges.

All our programs run as start-ups and can be self-organized when they reach a critical mass. Thus, academic liberty is promoted as far as funding is developed by research teams.

The research programs are integrated from long-term research to short-term applications in linkage with incubation and start-up ecosystems.

About the Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering (CBS)

The Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering Department (CBS) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The main objective of CBS is to set up a distinctive research-teaching program, of international level, to meet the research and teaching challenges of UM6P, on green and environmental chemistry applied to all aspects of chemical sciences : organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, biochemical and thermal reactions.

Research at CBS is organized around several major areas, which aim to answer challenging industrial questions, from complex chemical and biochemical reactions to scale-up and validation of process engineering. CBS projects aim at an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of all transformations to propose new original alternatives in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness, and sustainability.

Job Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher specialized in membrane processes, with particular expertise in chemical cleaning and fouling control of reverse osmosis membranes. The selected candidate will contribute to an in-depth study of organic, colloidal, biological, and inorganic fouling mechanisms, the optimization of cleaning protocols (CIP – Cleaning in Place), and the development of sustainable solutions to extend membrane lifespan while maintaining optimal performance.

Special attention will be given to evaluating the effectiveness of cleaning agents, their chemical compatibility with membrane materials, and minimizing the environmental impact of cleaning operations.

Key Responsibilities :

The selected candidate will conduct research on fouling mechanisms in reverse osmosis membranes, including organic, colloidal, biological, and inorganic types. They will be responsible for developing and optimizing effective, sustainable, and chemically compatible cleaning-in-place (CIP) protocols. Particular attention will be given to evaluating cleaning efficiency through performance indicators and advanced characterization techniques. The candidate will also work on proposing environmentally friendly cleaning strategies aimed at reducing chemical usage and extending membrane lifespan. In addition, they will contribute to the design and monitoring of pilot-scale cleaning systems and support the supervision of junior researchers, while actively participating in the dissemination and valorization of research outcomes.

Candidate Criteria

• PhD in Chemistry, with a specialization in inorganic chemistry, water treatment, or a related field. Experience related to membrane cleaning and fouling management is highly desirable.
• Research excellence demonstrated in the fields of desalination, water treatment, or sustainable membrane processes, with a particular focus on fouling and membrane cleaning, supported by publications in reputable international scientific journals.

Collaborative Mindset : Proven ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and external partners to address complex challenges.

Communication Skills : Excellent communication and presentation skills in English. Proficiency in French is a plus.

Entrepreneurial Spirit : Alignment with UM6P's focus on entrepreneurship,

Application and Selection :

The application folder must contain :

Detailed CV,

Cover letter along with a comprehensive presentation of the candidate background, research work, projects, and key activities (publications and achievements)

Research and teaching statement, entrepreneurial ideas, and concepts if any, and services to UM6P community : max 3-4 pages,

3 reference letters.

Our Offer

Very competitive salary and benefits package.

A unique set of research partners and collaborators.