the company invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position within the Water Research Center (WRC). The successful candidate will advance next-generation reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technologies for sustainable desalination of Arabian Gulf seawater. This research focuses on developing high-performance polymeric membranes capable of addressing the region's unique challenges, including high salinity, elevated temperatures, fouling, scaling, and biofouling.
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The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct independent and collaborative research on membrane design, fabrication, characterization, and performance evaluation to develop innovative membrane materials with enhanced permeability, salt rejection, fouling resistance, durability, and energy efficiency. The project aims to bridge fundamental membrane science with practical desalination technologies for sustainable water production.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct high-quality experimental research in membrane science, polymer materials, and desalination technologies.
- Perform comprehensive membrane characterization using advanced analytical techniques.
- Develop and establish fabrication-structure-property-performance relationships for novel membrane materials.
- Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical and scientific methods.
- Publish research findings in international journals and contribute to intellectual property development.
- Present research outcomes at conferences, workshops, and seminars.
- Assist in research grant proposals and collaborate with interdisciplinary team members.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
Supervision:
This position is supervised by Dr. Nidal Hilal.
Required Qualifications:
- A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong experimental research skills and evidence of independent scientific productivity.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- A strong publication record appropriate to the career stage.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:
- Development and modification of thin-film composite membranes.
- Sustainable membrane fabrication, membrane fouling, and scaling studies.
- Pilot-scale desalination systems, technology translation, and industrial collaboration.
Technical Competencies:
Hands-on experience with membrane fabrication and characterization techniques, including:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Raman Spectroscopy
- X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
- X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
- Contact Angle Measurements
- Zeta Potential Analysis
- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- Universal Mechanical Testing
- Porosity and Thickness Measurements
- Membrane Performance Evaluation
- Crossflow Testing
- Permeability Measurements
Application Requirements:
- CV
- Statement of interest
- Transcripts of all degrees
- Two letters of recommendation
Additional Information:
- UAE nationals are encouraged to apply.
- For questions regarding the position, please contact the [email protected].
This position is part of the the company Kawader program, a national capacity-building research fellowship program for Emirati graduates.
Location: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Work Conditions: On-site, Full-time
