CEDoc-UM6P-CAES-IWRI : PhD position in innovative solar-driven evaporative desalination

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields

The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco's frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa.

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.

Position Announcement: PhD position in innovative solar-driven evaporative desalination of brackish and polluted waters

Job Title:  Assistant Researcher 

Area of specialization: Water Treatment and Desalination

Expected starting date: October 2025

In water stressed regions, water resources are very limited due to the low and sporadic rainfall, and the situation is expected to deteriorate due to climate change, growing population, and agro-industrial activities. Desalination techniques are available to produce drinking water, and most of the related technologies are either membrane-based processes (e.g., reverse osmosis) or evaporative ones (e.g., multistage flash distillation), both with their set of  limitations including fouling/scaling, brine, and high energy requirement.

Recently, solar driven desalination has become an R&D hot topic worldwide, using either electricity generated by solar energy, or directly using the heat carried by solar flux.

In this context, and with the objective to make more freshwater available for people living in rural and remote regions, we propose in this joint project between MIT and UM6P to explore and develop novel locally sourced materials with tailored structural and chemical properties for optimized interfacial solar-driven desalination of brackish and seawater, via the newly proposed photomolecular effect.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on this cutting-edge research project in a dynamic and stimulating environment. They will be responsible for the selection, synthesis/conversion, characterization, and testing of various materials, in the one hand, and the fabrication and testing of the prototypes for enhanced solar evaporation  Additionally, the candidate will work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of researchers to deploy, test and optimize the performance of the pilot device.

• Conduct a state-of-the-art review on new materials and devises for solar evaporation with respect to operational performances, energy, salt rejection, upscaling, cost, etc.
• Explore several novel materials for solar desalination via interfacial evaporation
• Conduct laboratory experiments, prototyping, pilot scale deployment, and any other task in relation with the research topic
• Water quality analysis, calculations, data analyses, and regular reporting.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present in national and international conferences
• Work collaboratively with the project team and partners.
• Be involved in other projects at IWRI related to desalination and water reuse

Criteria of the candidate:   

We are looking for a highly qualified individual with an Engineering or Master's degree in desalination, chemical engineering, process engineering, materials science, or a closely related scientific field. Previous hands-on experience in evaporative desalination, along with publication(s) in related topics, are highly desired.

In addition, the skill set sought in an ideal applicant includes:

• Self-motivating with a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Good knowledge and skills of scientific software packages.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international team environment.
• Ability to deliver outputs (scientific publications, presentations, and the dissertation) in the targeted timeframes, and according to the international standards of excellence.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory.

UM6P.