MSN - Postdoc position on membranes development for hydrogen production and utilization 11932 - Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence : Job Details

Postdoc position on membranes development for hydrogen production and utilization 11932

About UM6P:

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development. This unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, aims to foster a high-quality research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech.

About MSN department:

The Department of Materials Science, Energy, and Nano-Engineering (MSN) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University has been operating for 4 years and has expanded significantly. It comprises around 42 employees, including 13 professors, 24 guest professors, 15 postdoctoral fellows, 40 PhD students, and 52 Master students. The department is organized into four scientific areas: Energy (batteries and hydrogen), Polymers and Composite Materials, Surface Science, and Sustainable Materials and Recycling.

Description of the position and duties:

The position focuses on organic synthesis and studies of ion-conducting polymers and polymer-based membranes (anion and cation exchange membranes). These materials will be used in hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolyzers (alkaline and PEM). The research will involve developing synthetic strategies to design, synthesize, and functionalize these materials at the molecular level to achieve membranes with high selectivity, conductivity, and stability.

The candidate should have extensive experience in polymer chemistry and organic synthesis, including development of new monomers, ionomers, ionogels, oligomers, and polymers, as well as chemical and post-polymerization modifications. Skills in polymer characterization, membrane preparation, ion selectivity and conductivity analysis, mechanical and thermal properties testing, and membrane stability and aging are required. The candidate will also be involved in membrane testing for IEC, transference number, selectivity, chemical stability, and assembly/testing with electrodes.

The successful candidate is expected to actively contribute to and establish research in the field of selective membranes for water electrolysis and fuel cells within the hydrogen group at the MSN department and participate in departmental activities.

Requirements include a Ph.D. in Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry, with extensive experience in membrane development, testing, and polymer synthesis, functionalization, and modification. Knowledge of computational fluid dynamics software and modeling tools for simulating fluid flow in electrolysis and fuel cells will be an asset. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong R&D record, excellent publications, and good communication skills in English.