The Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering Department (CBS) is an entity of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The main objective of CBS is to set up a distinctive research-teaching program of international level, in order to meet the research and teaching challenges of UM6P, in particular 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 in order to propose new original alternatives in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness and sustainability.

Phosphate processing covers a wide range of steps, that begins with the extraction of phosphate rock and continues through various stages to produce fertilizers as the final product. This multi-step process begins with the extraction of phosphate rock, which undergoes various treatments to improve its quality and prepare it for further processing. The ultimate objective is to convert phosphate rock into phosphoric acid and other intermediates that serve as the backbone of fertilizer production.

The phosphate processing chain involves several processes, including:

• Beneficiation: This step involves the upgrading of phosphate ore through techniques such as flotation, where valuable phosphate minerals are separated from impurities, enhancing the overall quality of the ore for subsequent processing.
• Wet Phosphoric Acid (WPA) Production: Phosphate rock is treated with sulfuric acid to produce phosphoric acid, a critical intermediate in fertilizer manufacturing.
• Advanced Treatment of WPA: The produced phosphoric acid undergoes further refining through advanced methods such as ion exchange, precipitation, membrane processes, ion flotation. These techniques are utilized to optimize the properties of the acid, making it suitable for high-quality fertilizer production.
• Phosphogypsum Valorization: Phosphogypsum, a by-product of WPA production, is treated and valorized through various processes to extract high-added-value elements. This not only reduces waste but also turns a by-product into a valuable resource.

Each of these processes is integral to the overall phosphate value chain, working in concert to ensure the efficient conversion of raw phosphate rock into high-quality fertilizers and valuable by-products.

We are looking for several candidates to join our team across all stages of the phosphate processing chain, from beneficiation and WPA production and treatment to phosphogypsum valorization. This include, flotation and reverse flotation, Sulfur recovery, catalysis for diffrent redox reaction, demetallisation, recovery of added-value metals and elements in phosphoric acid/phosphogypsum and fertilizers, preparation of smart fertilizers and differents additives for all the value chain. Candidates will possess expertise in key techniques such as minerals flotation, ion exchange, precipitation, membrane processes, ion flotation, leaching, bioconversion, extraction and purification, in chemistry, biochemistry and chemical/process engineering. We seek innovative individuals capable of optimizing these processes to enhance the efficiency and value of the entire phosphate value chain, driving improvements from raw material extraction to the final production of high-quality fertilizers.

The candidates will work in a favorable environment with a local team and at the international level on several aspects of phosphate processing. They will play an active role in the life of the program, involving tasks such as designing and executing complex experiments, developing innovative methodologies for process improvement, critically interpreting results to drive research forward, and contributing to the development of novel approaches.

The candidates will also be expected to actively participate in UM6P's research projects and collaborative efforts, assist in laboratory management, and support fellow researchers in their experiments. Additionally, the candidates will be involved in the preparation of research findings for presentations at conferences and contribute to writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The candidates will also assist in mentoring undergraduate students, PhD students and provide guidance on their research projects and laboratory work.

• Hybrid expertise the following fields (one of them):

• Background in Chemical or Biochemical transformations, Chemical Engineering or related fields with a focus on phosphate processing, including one or more of the items:
• Analytical skills with experience in process optimization.
• Expertise in separation techniques (e.g., Ion exchange, precipitation, solvent extraction, leaching, Ion Flotation, resines, liq-liq or sol-liq extraction, (bio)catalysis, bioconversion, etc: Chemical skills or Biochemical skills or Chemical-Process Engineering skills).
• Advanced analytical methods for process characterization.

• Level of experience evidenced by recommended letters.
• Fluent in both French and English.
• Experience of working as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to author scientific publications, reports and research projects.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Computer skills/programming/modeling would be a plus.

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical engineering or a related field.
• Extensive experience in sampling, preparation & samples analysis.
• Ability to assess and interpret data using various methodologies tailored to phosphate processing.
• Ability to carry out feasibility, cost, risk and opportunity assessment studies.
• Ability to work independently and integrated in a research team.
• Exceptional communication skills aligned with UM6P's emphasis on knowledge dissemination and impactful outreach.
• Demonstrate an aptitude for teamwork.
• Experience in chemical engineering or related fields will be appreciated.
• Recognized expertise through published work, presentations, and recommendations from professional colleagues or mentors.

The application folder must contain:

• Detailed CV,
• Cover letter along with a synthetic presentation of the background, research works, projects and activities, publications, key achievements,
• 3 reference letters.