The Water Research Center at New York University Abu Dhabi seeks to recruit a postdoctoral associate to work on the development of responsive membranes with in situ switchable properties, under the supervision of Professor Nidal Hilal, Director of the Water Research Center and Global Professor of Engineering and professor Raed Hashaikeh, Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

The successful applicant will lead an innovative project focused on the development of surface-patterned membranes with tailored surface features designed to enhance the performance of microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), membrane distillation (MD), and nanofiltration (NF) processes. The role involves advanced membrane fabrication techniques and a range of membrane characterization methods, such as SEM, EDS, TGA, contact angle measurement, CFP, BET, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, among others. Lab-scale testing will be performed to establish critical relationships between fabrication methods, structure, properties, and membrane performance, with the goal of improving desalination and water treatment applications.

The successful applicant will oversee projects, develop extensive technical expertise, and implement innovative solutions. He/she will contribute to the development of novel concepts and proposal writing, while efficiently addressing complex challenges. Responsibilities will include writing reports, authoring publications, drafting patents, and presenting results at conferences. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated knowledge of membrane fabrication, surface patterning, membrane characterization, and separation processes. Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and exceptional verbal and written communication abilities are essential. The candidate should be capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team.

Applicants must have a PhD in materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, or related field. Excellent experimental and analytical skills relevant to the project (in particular membrane fabrication and surface patterning as well as membrane characterization) are required. Candidates with a demonstrated history of peer-reviewed publications in a related area, along with prior expertise in materials science and analytical chemistry will be preferred.

This position will begin in March 2026, as a two-year contract, renewable depending on performance. The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing and educational subsidies for children. Applications will be accepted immediately and candidates will be considered until the position is filled. To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a one-page summary of research accomplishments and interests, and at least 2 references, all in PDF format. Please visit our website at http://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/faculty-positions.html for instructions and information on how to apply. If you have any questions, please email: nhh2@nyu.edu.

About NYUAD:

NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science undergraduate program in the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering. NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai, form the backbone of NYU?s global network university, an interconnected network of portal campuses and academic centers across six continents that enable seamless international mobility of students and faculty in their pursuit of academic and scholarly activity. This global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and multicultural perspective. As a major intellectual hub at the crossroads of the Arab world, NYUAD serves as a center for scholarly thought, advanced research, knowledge creation, and sharing, through its academic, research, and creative activities.

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