Path 2: Postdoctoral Associate – Advanced Membrane Technologies for Climate-Resilient Desalination of Arabian Gulf Water

Role details

NYU Abu Dhabi 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. The 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.

The successful candidate 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 independent, high-quality experimental research in membrane science, polymer materials, and desalination technologies to investigate transport, fouling, scaling, and cleaning mechanisms. 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 leading peer-reviewed international journals and contribute to intellectual property development. Present research outcomes at national/international conferences/workshops/seminars.

Assist in the preparation of research grant proposals and collaborate with interdisciplinary research team members. Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety protocols. Supervision This position is supervised by Dr. Nidal Hilal Required: A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related discipline. Strong experimental research skills with 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 both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams. Preferred: Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: 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.

Specialized Technical, Laboratory, Computational, or Research Competencies The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience fabricating the membrane and on 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.

Learning Outcomes Conducting internationally competitive research in advanced desalination technologies. Developing expertise in membrane/materials design and membrane engineering. Acquiring experience with state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization facilities. Building leadership skills through mentoring students. Collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams. Publishing in high-impact journals and present research at prestigious platforms. Developing patents and competitive grant-writing skills. Contributing to solutions addressing regional and global water security challenges. Establishing an internationally recognized research profile in membrane science and desalination.