Lead researcher

Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is a publicly funded research institute, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is home to a diverse community of leading scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and researchers from across the globe, transforming problems and roadblocks into pioneering research and technology prototypes that help move society ahead.

Functional Activities:

Membrane Fabrication & Development

• Formulate and synthesize polymer solutions (dope) for hollow fiber and flat sheet membranes.
• Operate membrane fabrication equipment (e.g., phase inversion systems, spinnerets, casting machines).
• Optimize spinning/casting parameters (bore fluid rate, air gap, coagulation bath) for desired pore structure and mechanical properties.
• Incorporate nanomaterials or surface modifiers (e.g., TiO₂, GO, zwitterions) to enhance anti-fouling and permeability.
• Fabricate ceramic membranes using methods such as extrusion, slip casting, or tape casting with alumina, zirconia, or silicon carbide materials.
• Sinter and coat ceramic membranes to achieve desired porosity, strength, and selectivity.
  
  

Module Assembly & Process Design

• Assemble membrane modules (UF, NF, RO, FO, MBR) using customized housings and spacers.
• Integrate modules into pilot- and bench-scale treatment systems.
• Design skid-mounted pilot units and flow circuits for performance validation.
• Simulate membrane performance using flux, TMP, rejection, and fouling indicator.
  
  

Performance Evaluation & Characterization

• Conduct lab testing using real or synthetic feedwaters (seawater, wastewater, brine, etc.).
• Measure performance metrics: pure water flux, salt rejection, fouling resistance, chlorine tolerance.
• Characterize membrane morphology and surface properties (SEM, AFM, FTIR, contact angle, zeta potential).
• Analyze long-term stability under cyclic loading and cleaning protocols.
  
  

R&D Project Management

• Diligently manage projects as per established project management protocols
• Define experimental plans and timelines for project milestones.
• Maintain detailed lab records and technical reports.
• Collaborate with analytical teams, process engineers, and data scientists.
  
  

Innovation, IP & Dissemination

• Develop novel membrane compositions and fabrication methods.
• Support IP filing through invention disclosures and patent drafting.
• Write scientific manuscripts and present findings at international conferences.
• Support grant proposals and public-private partnership submissions.
  
  

Mentoring & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Supervise junior researchers, interns, and lab technicians.
• Train new team members on membrane preparation and testing protocols.
• Coordinate cross-functional work with materials, chemical, and environmental teams.
  
  

Necessary Knowledge and Experience:

Strong expertise in the following

• Lead & execute R&D initiatives in membrane design, fabrication, and performance optimization (e.g., PVDF, PTFE, PES, PAN-based membranes).
• Develop, test, and validate hollow fiber, flat sheet, and ceramic membrane modules for applications including ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, and membrane bioreactors (MBRs).
• Design and conduct bench-scale and pilot-scale experiments, analyzing performance metrics such as flux, fouling resistance, salt rejection, and mechanical stability.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (material scientists, process engineers, chemists) on membrane surface modifications and module integration.
• Evaluate long-term membrane performance under various water matrices (seawater, brackish water, wastewater).
• Contribute to patent filings, technical publications, and grant proposals.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns; support scale-up and commercialization efforts.
• Excellent understanding of the current state of the art in Water technologies, including but not limited to
• water treatment and related technologies such as micro/ultra/nano filtration, reverse osmosis, forward osmosis, pressure retarded osmosis, electrodialysis reversal, capacitive deionization and membrane distillation.
• process optimization methodologies, such as batch RO, salinity-gradient energy harvesting, and energy efficiency.
• brine management approaches such as zero liquid discharge, ultrahigh pressure RO, CEDR and other technologies.
• Digitization of distribution networks, smart sensing and metering, and overall water security management.
• Ability to identify challenges and opportunities and establish / prioritize impactful research directions.
• Able to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ambitious, with the intellectual horsepower and work ethic to support their ambition.
• A highly innovative bent of mind showcased by high-impact journal publications and patent filings.
• Prior responsibilities for training and mentoring students and technical staff.
• Demonstrable abilities for effective English written and oral communication.
  

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in membrane fabrication, water treatment processes, or membrane module design.
• Proven track record in hollow fiber spinning and/or flat sheet casting, crosslinking, and coating techniques.
• Experience in ceramic membrane fabrication including flat sheet and tubular membranes.
• Deep understanding of membrane characterization tools: SEM, FTIR, contact angle, pore size analysis, etc.
• Experience with pilot testing or industrial-scale membrane systems is highly desirable.
• Strong publication and/or patent record in relevant domains.
• Excellent project management, communication, and technical writing skills.
  
  

At TII, we help society to overcome its biggest hurdles through a rigorous approach to scientific discovery and inquiry, using state-of-the-art facilities and collaboration with leading international institutions. Our rigorous discovery and inquiry-based approach helps to forge new and disruptive breakthroughs in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, digital security, directed energy, quantum computing and secure systems.

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