LIMSET: Post-Doctoral positions in the field of all-solid-state-batteries

About UM6P:

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a highly respected higher education institution located in the Green City of Benguerir, with a mission to promote education, training, and teaching, as well as applied research and innovation. UM6P boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and an extensive academic and research network, and is dedicated to economic and human development. The university places research and innovation at the service of the African continent and is committed to providing relevant skills training to advance Morocco and Africa's innovation ecosystem. UM6P's unique partnership approach strengthens its position as an avant-garde in these areas, and the university aims to shine nationally, continentally, and internationally as a leading institution for education and research. UM6P offers highly competitive incentives to its current and future talented research staff.

About LIMSET

LIMSET, the Laboratory of Inorganic Materials for Sustainable Energy Technologies, is dedicated to advancements in sustainable energy through innovative research and training. Our focus lies in the design, development, and optimization of inorganic materials for various sustainable energy processes. We work diligently to contribute to the competitiveness of Moroccan and African companies by conducting research across a wide range of applied sciences.

Our main activities turn around key pillars of sustainable energy. We explore into renewable energy, discovering ways to maximize its potential and effectiveness. Additionally, we are committed to advancing thermal energy storage technologies, all-solid-state batteries, green hydrogen and green ammonia production and storage methods. Through these activities, LIMSET plays a crucial role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Morocco, Africa, and beyond.

Job description : 

The LIMSET-UM6P invites applications for post-doctoral researchers in the area of all-solid-state battery. The research areas that the post-doctoral researchers will work on include:

• Design and synthesize novel inorganic electrode/electrolyte materials, and search into the fundamental reaction mechanisms and kinetics involved.
• Investigate thermodynamics-electrode/electrolyte interfacial structure-property relationships to gain deeper insights into material behavior.
• Develop innovative approaches to minimize cell polarization by precisely controlling electrolyte transport properties both in the bulk and across interfaces.
• Develop novel electrolyte chemistries aimed at directing interphase generation at both anode and cathode interfaces to improve battery performance.
• Implement strategies to enhance the manufacturing processes for electrode and electrolyte materials, focusing on scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Mentor junior researchers associated with the program, ensuring their professional growth while collectively meeting program milestones on schedule.
• Contribute to scientific knowledge dissemination by publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and actively participate in the creation of scientific research papers, reports, review articles, and oral presentations.
• Collaborate effectively with other universities and industry partners, leveraging complementary expertise and resources to advance the project goals.
• Potentially engage in teaching activities, up to no more than 20% of working hours, to contribute to the academic mission of the institution.
• Skills in the use of artificial intelligence to design new materials will be appreciated, particularly in the context of optimizing electrode and electrolyte properties for electrochemical devices.

The LIMSET is engaged in pioneering research and development projects to promote the invention and improvement of all-solid-state technologies. The Post-Doctoral positions are an excellent opportunity for talented and highly motivated candidates to join a dynamic team and contribute to this important and exciting field of research.

Position Requirements

The primary role of the chosen candidates is to contribute to the expansion of research programs concerning all-solid-state batteries by demonstrating at least some of the following competencies. 

• Demonstrate a strong motivation for creative applied research, with specific expertise in inorganic chemistry, involving the design and synthesis of inorganic materials utilizing both aqueous and nonaqueous chemistry techniques.
• Possess proven skills in investigating inorganic materials, including conducting structural characterizations and studying their physical properties.
• Exhibit knowledge or expertise in advanced characterization methods of inorganic materials and their assemblies, ideally with a focus on battery materials.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Density Functional Theory (DFT) and/or Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, enabling the computational investigation of material properties, electronic structure, and atomic-scale behavior, particularly in the context of all-solid-state batteries. 
• Showcase the ability to conduct independent research while demonstrating scientific skill and effectively collaborating with a diverse range of colleagues.
• Experience in preparing and handling scientific manuscripts and reports, and showcasing proficiency in scientific communication.

Criteria of the candidates:

• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related disciplines, with a focus on inorganic materials and/or electrochemistry.
• Strong motivation and passion for research in the field of batteries and inorganic materials chemistry.
• Ability to perform multidisciplinary research and contribute to funded research programs.
• Ability to the planning, sourcing, and development of new initiatives and ongoing research activities.
• Proven ability to identify and fulfil the academic writing requirements for the development of proposals, reports, and scientific publications.
• Demonstrated understanding of operational requirements for a successful research project and managing time and resources.
• Good English communication skills, both verbal and written are important. 
• Ability to work both as part of a team and to work independently. 

Application and selection

The application folder must contain: 

• A cover letter setting out the candidate's motivation in relation to this job profile.
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• Brief research statement.
• Contact information of 3 referees (PhD mentor and referees familiar with the applicant’s education and research experience. Applicants are assumed to have obtained their references’ consent to be contacted for this matter). 

Working conditions of the position:

Deadline: The selection process ends once the candidates are selected 

Start of contract: As soon as possible.

Location: UM6P, Benguerir

Type of Contract: CDD.