MSN - Postdoctoral Position in Li-ion Cathode Materials

ABOUT MOHAMMED VI POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY (UM6P)

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with international standards, is established to contribute to the development of 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, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high quality academics and professionals in order to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech.

ABOUT MSN DEPARTMENT

The Materials Science, Energy, and nano-engineering (MSN) is a department at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University that aims to makes use of innovative research and education in order to promote solution development and entrepreneurship (in the context of Moroccan and African challenges), while training the next generation top scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Research at MSN is organized in different research clusters including Energy Transition, Surface Technology and Metallurgy, Polymers and Composites, and Sustainable Materials. With some 100 researchers and PhD students and several national and international partners, MSN is emerging as a strong actor in the Moroccan materials research scene. The department coordinates several initial and executive Master programs.

Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher specializing in Li-ion cathode materials to join our research team. This position focuses on the development, synthesis, characterization, and optimization of advanced cathode materials for next-generation Lithium-ion batteries.

The successful candidate will contribute to fundamental research and industrial-scale implementation, working on the design of novel cathode compositions, understanding degradation mechanisms, and improving electrochemical performance. The postdoc will work with state-of-the-art facilities for materials synthesis, structural and electrochemical characterization, and in-depth performance evaluation of Li-ion cathode materials.

In addition to research activities, the candidate will be involved in collaborations with academic and industrial partners, participation in funding proposals, and mentoring graduate students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Synthesis and Processing of novel Li-ion cathode materials usingsolid-state synthesis, sol-gel, co-precipitation, and hydrothermal methods.
• Structural and Chemical Characterization using:
  • X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) andRietveld refinement for phase analysis.
  • Electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, EDS) for morphology and elemental distribution.
  • Spectroscopic techniques (XPS, Raman, FTIR) for surface chemistry studies.
• Electrochemical Performance Evaluation:
  • Galvanostatic cycling to assess capacity retention and rate capability.
  • Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze charge transfer resistance.
  • Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) for diffusion coefficient determination.
• Degradation Studies: Investigatestructural, morphological, and interfacial degradation mechanisms to improve material stability and cycling performance.
• Scale-Up and Process Optimization: Work on improving synthesis methods for large-scale cathode material production.
• Collaborations and Knowledge Transfer:
  • Work closely withindustrial partners to translate lab-scale innovations into commercial applications.
  • Contribute toresearch grant applications and proposal writing.
  • Mentor PhD and Master’s students in battery materials research.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree inChemistry, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, or a related field.
  • PhD in Electrochemistry, Solid-State Chemistry, Materials Science, or related disciplines.
• Essential Technical Expertise:
  • Proven experience insolid-state synthesis and other advanced synthesis techniques for cathode materials.
  • Strong knowledge ofX-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement.
  • Hands-on experience withelectrochemical characterization techniques (CV, EIS, GITT, galvanostatic cycling).
  • Deep understanding ofLi-ion battery cathode materials, including structural and interfacial properties.
  • Experience ininorganic solid-state materials synthesis and characterization.
• Desirable Additional Skills:
  • Knowledge ofdoping/coating strategies to enhance cathode performance.
  • Familiarity within-situ/operando characterization techniques.
  • Experience withlithium-ion battery full-cell fabrication and testing.
  • Understanding ofsurface/interface engineering for cathode materials.
  • Prior experience inco-supervision and mentoring of PhD/Master’s students.

Competencies & Personal Qualities:

• Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written).
• Excellent publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability towork independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong networking and organizational skills to facilitate collaborations.

What We Offer:

• Access tocutting-edge research facilities for battery materials development.
• Opportunities forcollaboration with leading academic and industrial partners in the battery industry.

A dynamic and innovative research environment at the forefront ofenergy storage materials research

This position presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to next-generation Li-ion battery technology with a strong academic and industrial impact.

Interested candidates should apply with a detailed CV, cover letter, and relevant publications.