About UM6P:
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 GSMI:
GSMI (Geology & Sustainable Mining institute) aims to strengthen its industrial partnerships within and beyond Morocco and Africa by adopting an integrated and sustainable strategic vision of R&D and training. The institute focuses on various aspects of the mine lifecycle and aims to provide significantly higher added value. In addition to conventional mineral resources R&D, GSMI places emphasis on developing the mine of the future, which includes areas such as geo-mineralogy of mineral resources, circular economy, resource governance, sustainable management of water in mining, and integrated management of mine discharges.
Furthermore, GSMI offers several state-of-the-art R&D platforms that are at the forefront of science and technology. These platforms serve as advanced research and development facilities for conducting cutting-edge research and exploring technological advancements in the field.
Field: Mineral Processing, Materials Chemistry, Hydrometallurgy, Geology
Duration: 12 months, renewable once.
Location: UM6P, Benguerir Campus
Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible
1. Context and Objectives
As part of the project "Hydrothermally Treated Silicate Rocks as a Potassium Fertilizer – From Lab to Field Validation", we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with strong expertise in the physico-chemical characterization of materials to support the scale-up and validation of hydrothermally treated silicate rocks as a sustainable potassium fertilizer.
Building on a previous lab-scale project, the work focuses on optimizing the hydrothermal treatment at a larger scale to enhance nutrient release from treated syenite rocks. The selected candidate will play a central role in the mineralogical, structural, and chemical characterization of the raw and treated rocks, linking process parameters to the material's properties and to its performance as a low-cost alternative to conventional potassium fertilizers.
2. Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will be expected to:
- Optimize the hydrothermal treatment process (temperature, time, additives) at a larger scale to enhance nutrient release.
- Perform multi-scale mineralogical, structural, and physico-chemical characterization (XRD, XRF, FTIR, TGA, SEM, ICP) of the raw and treated rocks.
- Evaluate nutrient release and the mobility of potentially toxic elements through leaching studies, and assess the environmental performance of the treated rock.
- Collaborate with technical, agronomic, and industrial partners, and contribute to industrial validations, results presentations, and scientific publications.
- Process design: perform mass and energy balances, equipment sizing, and develop process flow diagrams (PFDs).
- Techno-economic assessment: estimate process costs (CAPEX/OPEX) and evaluate the economic viability of the scaled-up process.
3. Candidate Profile
- PhD in Materials Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Geology, or related fields.
- Strong background in physico-chemical characterization of rocks, and mineral materials (XRD, XRF, FTIR, TGA, SEM, ICP).
- Solid skills in mineralogical and geochemical analysis.
- Experience with hydrothermal and/or hydrometallurgical processes for element extraction from silicate rocks or mining wastes.
- Expertise in leaching tests and contaminant mobility assessment.
- Knowledge of environmental impact evaluation, including life cycle assessment (LCA).
4. Application
Applications should include:
- A detailed CV
- A cover letter
- A list of publications
- References or recommendation letters
