Postdoctoral Researcher Biodiesel Production Biomass Morocco القنيطرة للعمل في مهندس

About the Opportunity

The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher specializing in biodiesel production from biomass. This position is based in Morocco and offers an exceptional opportunity for an early-career scientist to contribute to cutting-edge research in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and biomass conversion technologies.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team focused on developing and optimizing biodiesel production processes derived from lignocellulosic biomass and other agricultural feedstocks. The role involves advanced laboratory research, pilot-scale experimentation, process modeling, and the publication of findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. The postdoctoral researcher will also have the opportunity to mentor graduate students and contribute to grant proposals and collaborative projects within the broader sustainable energy research community at UM6P.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental research on biodiesel synthesis from various biomass sources, including pretreatment, transesterification, and downstream purification processes.
• Characterize biofuel properties using analytical techniques such as GC-MS, HPLC, FTIR, and TGA.
• Develop and optimize catalytic conversion pathways, including heterogeneous catalysis and enzymatic transesterification.
• Conduct life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis of biodiesel production systems.
• Publish research findings in top-tier scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with industry partners and academic institutions on joint bioenergy research initiatives.
• Supervise and mentor PhD and Master's students within the research group.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals for external funding from organizations focused on clean energy and sustainable development.

Requirements

Hard Skills & Technical Qualifications

• A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with biodiesel production, biofuel processing, and biomass pretreatment technologies.
• Proficiency in analytical chemistry techniques relevant to fuel characterization and biomass analysis.
• Familiarity with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus, MATLAB) and statistical experimental design (DoE).
• Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications in the fields of bioenergy, biomass conversion, or sustainable fuels.
• Experience with catalyst development and reaction kinetics is highly desirable.

Soft Skills & Personal Attributes

• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English; proficiency in French or Arabic is an asset.
• Strong critical thinking and ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research team.
• Proven ability to manage multiple research projects, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality results.
• A passion for sustainability, environmental science, and advancing the global energy transition.

Why This Role

This postdoctoral position at ASARI/UM6P places the researcher at the forefront of sustainable energy innovation in Africa. The role offers access to state-of-the-art research facilities, a vibrant academic community in Morocco, and meaningful opportunities to shape the future of renewable fuels derived from biomass feedstocks. Join a mission-driven institution committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and clean energy solutions across the continent and beyond.