CBS-IGSAC - Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Advanced Magnetic and Electromagnetic Separation and Speciation of Metallic Minerals

Benguerir-Jorf Lasfar

The CBS department of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is launching a call for applications for a post-doctoral fellowship specializing in magnetic/electromagnetic separation in solid and liquid matrices. Applicants should have a thorough understanding of the principles of magnetic separation and magnetic phenomena, as well as expertise in experimental methods to study the interactions between magnetic fields and solid and liquid materials. Additionally, knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of materials, particularly their magnetism, is required.

The postdoctoral fellow will join the CBS-IGSAC department where they will be responsible for participating in the conduct of a research program on the valorization of phosphate by-products and its derivatives. The focus will be on developing and executing studies on magnetic/electromagnetic techniques for the separation, concentration, recovery, or destruction of certain elements. Therefore, the chosen candidate will be expected to contribute to the performance of a wide range of scale-up studies of a magnetic and electromagnetic separation process to validate the selection of the appropriate design for treating, concentrating, and purifying the matrices under investigation.

Job Description:

The position is open to candidates with a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognized university. Applicants must demonstrate that their doctoral work and previous experience are related to one or more aspects of magnetic separation, particularly in the context of mineral processing or environmental applications. Candidates with the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:

• Experience in the separation/purification of industrial effluents, particularly with electromagnetic/magnetic technologies.
• Proven experience in extracting valuable substances through magnetic separation methods.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Fluency in English is a requirement.

Candidate Criteria:

• A PhD, or equivalent, in applied chemistry, physics, materials science, or a relevant discipline with a focus on magnetic separation of metal(loid)s.
• Strong familiarity with the magnetic properties of metal(loid)s and minerals, demonstrating the capability to separate them from complex matrices.
• Expertise in metal(loid)s speciation and their physicochemical properties.
• Good Background in magnetic and electromagnetic separation techniques and the scale-up process.
• Prior experience in selectively separating metal(loid)s from low-grade ores or by-products.

Planned Activities:

• Conduct scientific research within the project team.
• Train and supervise second- and third-year doctoral students to prepare them for their defense.
• Execute magnetic/electromagnetic separation experiments with precision and accuracy, 
• Utilize advanced methodologies and techniques to effectively separate target components from complex matrices using magnetic field.
• Monitor ongoing experiments and adjust settings as needed.
• Maintain high standards and quality in laboratory operations.

Job Requirements:

• Comprehensive understanding of the principles of magnetic separation.
• Profound knowledge of magnetic phenomena and properties of magnetic materials.
• Previous experience in designing and conducting laboratory experiments to investigate the interactions between magnetic, electromagnetic fields and solid, liquid materials is essential.
• Competence in materials characterization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret and analyze simulation and/or experiment results.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and quality control measures in the laboratory.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a research team.

Application and selection process:

The application package must include:

• A cover letter detailing the candidate's motivation for applying for this position.
• A complete curriculum vitae.
• Brief research statement.
• Contact details of three referees.

The candidate must be highly motivated and capable of working independently. They should possess expertise in the application of magnetic and electromagnetic fields, along with demonstrated experience in conducting and executing such studies. Additionally, familiarity with techniques of speciation technology would be advantageous.