Research Engineer for Sustainable Materials Processing Contrat : CDI

Job Title: Research engineer for Sustainable Materials Processing

The Sustainable Materials Research Center SUSMAT-RC is looking for a full-time Research Engineer for the processing of sustainable materials and to support the ongoing research and development on sustainable materials. The successful candidate will plan, develop and conduct applied research projects dedicated to green chemistry and chemical engineering focusing on the synthesis, processing, and testing of new (bio)polymer materials. As a rapidly growing research center, an ideal candidate for this role will be self-motivated, organized, and able to work in ambiguous and changeable situations. A minimum experience of 5 years in a similar position is required for this position.

The successful candidate is expected to have:

• Perform work in the processing and testing of the performance of sustainable polymer materials, composites, and blends.
• Organize/analyze/interpret results and assess whether additional investigations are necessary to reach the aims of a project.
• Contribute with the PIs and group members to the definition and submission of research proposals to expand research programs consistent with the programmatic priorities of the SusMat RC
• Perform preparatory work for the project definition: literature search, technology watch, patent survey.
• Assist the PIs and group members in writing manuscripts for publication, filing patents, and developing research proposals.
• Conduct scientific research in a team composed of multidisciplinary researchers.
• Perform preparatory work for the project definition: literature search, technology watch, and patent survey.
• Deliver engineering solutions to enable rapid evolution of academic research through the various TRL levels from innovation to product manufacturing (TRL 3-9).
• Work with universities, companies, and different consortia to lead groundbreaking R&D for next-generation polymeric materials.
• Identify methods to rapidly test and translate innovations to products.
• Contribute on the group’s activities in processing and polymer science, polymer composites and their applications.
• Assist in the definition of technical requirements and the purchase of relevant equipment
• Operate and maintain analytical equipment for material characterization or quality assurance.
• Prepare technical reports and assist with the drafting of manuscripts
• Proactively engage in collaborative R&D by providing solutions and demonstrating the potential of polymer science and engineering in addressing important Moroccan technology challenges.

Located at the heart of the Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, was established to serve Morocco and the African continent and to advance applied research and innovation. This unique university, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, has woven an extensive academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking outstanding academics and professionals to promote Morocco and Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

While OCP group, a world leader in fertilizer production, is a privileged client for the University, a growing portfolio of clients is driving the development of a rich R&D ecosystem around the university. UM6P enjoys ample research funding, moderate teaching load, and excellent facilities. The university promotes multidisciplinary R&D, entrepreneurship and collaboration with external institutions and clients with the aim of advancing the Moroccan and African economies. Furthermore, UM6P o?ers highly competitive incentives to its current and future talented research staff.

The Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat - RC) is a multidisciplinary research center engaged in the development of advanced biobased products and materials thereof using biotechnological, physical and chemical conversion strategies and engineering processes (b) understanding and controlling their underlying specific functionalities and the structure-properties relationship acting over multiple length scales from the molecular, nano to the macro level and their cross-interactions and (c) utilizing the gathered knowledge and the invented materials to address key technological challenges in Morocco and African continent and assist the transition toward a green and circular economy.

To be considered for this role, you will ideally have:

1. Educational background:

• PhD degree in polymer science and engineering, materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, chemical sciences, or related areas with a focus on sustainable materials and their applications.

1. Experience and Skills:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in a similar position
• Relevant working experiences in science: be familiar with the research environment, the rules of the research funding, and the forms of intellectual property protection,
• Strong experience in (bio)polymer chemistry, nanocomposite science, and process engineering, notably the synthesis and characterization, blending, and processing of (bio)polymers and (bio)composites thereof.
• Strong experience in the chemical synthesis of organic compounds, polymers and materials with new specifications.
• Familiar with polymer characterization techniques such as DMA, DSC, TGA, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, AFM, SEM, Rheology, MSD, thermos mechanical, etc. with a strong emphasis on health and safety management
• Demonstrated experience in using scientific and technological search engines and tools to consult scientific and technological databases
• Demonstrated ability to investigate/extract/analyze/interpret/assess scientific and technological data
• Experience in the submission and management of R&D projects
• Experience in techno-market analysis is considered as an asset
• Have completed training in project management techniques, methods, and tools are considered as an asset
• Evidence of collaboration with national and/or international institutions,
• Familiarity with the institutional and industrial ecosystem of Morocco,

1. Personal Attributes

• Be autonomous, detail-oriented, and possess strong organizational skills problem-solving attitudes

• Strong initiative, self-motivated, and focused on achieving quality outputs.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and be a good team player
• Good time management and task prioritization skills.

• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals, including university professors, industry executives, entrepreneurs, etc
• Successfully manage stressful situations and priorities, meet deadlines, have a positive attitude to deal with them
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects at any given time.
• Strong initiative, self-motivated, and focused on achieving quality outputs
• Fluent in English and French, both spoken and written

The application folder must contain:

• Cover letter.
• Detailed CV.
• Contact information of 3 referees.