Post-Doctoral Associate in Membrane Desalination Technology
Develop advanced membrane technologies for high-salinity water treatment in the Arabian Gulf under expert supervision.
Best for:Best for postdoctoral researchers with expertise in materials science, chemical engineering, or related fields, seeking to contribute to cutting-edge water treatment innovations in extreme environments.
Overview
This post-doctoral position at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) focuses on advancing membrane desalination technologies to address extreme water conditions in the UAE, including high salinity (up to 47,000 ppm) and severe biological fouling. The successful candidate will lead research on high-flux membrane fabrication, characterization, and optimization of reverse osmosis (RO) processes. The role involves experimental and theoretical investigations into mass transport, energy efficiency, and pretreatment methods (MF, UF, NF) to enhance sustainability in desalination. The project is supervised by Professor Nidal Hilal and Professor Raed Hashaikeh, both leaders in water research.
What you'll do
- Develop and characterize advanced membrane technologies tailored for high-salinity and fouling-prone water sources in the Arabian Gulf.
- Conduct experimental and theoretical investigations into mass transport, membrane compaction, and energy efficiency in desalination processes.
- Design and implement robust pretreatment processes (MF, UF, NF) to mitigate biological fouling and harmful algal blooms.
- Oversee membrane fabrication using techniques like electrospinning, phase inversion, and additive manufacturing.
- Author scientific publications, draft patents, and present research findings at international conferences.
- Collaborate with team members to develop novel concepts and contribute to proposal writing for future research projects.
- Write technical reports and communicate research progress to stakeholders and supervisory teams.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field from a recognized institution.
Language: English; proficiency required for academic communication and collaboration.
Instruction: English
Publications: Demonstrated history of peer-reviewed publications in related areas is preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in membrane fabrication and characterization techniques.
- Proven analytical and experimental skills relevant to water treatment and desalination.
- Experience with advanced materials characterization methods (e.g., SEM, FTIR, TGA).
- Familiarity with pretreatment processes (MF, UF, NF) and their application in desalination.
- Strong background in mass transport and energy efficiency studies in membrane systems.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- No more than 5 years of post-PhD experience.
- Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply in line with UAE regulations.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-28
Applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a transcript or degree copy, a one-page summary of research accomplishments and interests, and at least 2 contact references, all in PDF format. Apply through the provided external portal.
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Transcript or degree copy
- One-page summary of research accomplishments and interests
- At least 2 contact references
Contact
Nidal Hilal· Director of the Water Research Center
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