AGC - Postdoctoral Position in Environmental Omics

About UM6P: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher learning, that is committed to an educational system based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. UM6P is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation. On a specific focus on Africa, UM6P aims to position these fields as the forefront and become a university of international standing.

More than just a traditional academic institution, UM6P is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model.

About AGC (African Genome Center): The AGC entity houses a genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics platform aimed at serving as a focal point for research and training. The platform includes a cosmopolitan, cohesive scientific community and provides an infrastructure offering cutting-edge molecular and genomic approaches. Its main mission is to become an accredited research and diagnostic center in Morocco and Africa for, on the one hand, carrying out basic and applied scientific research in the sectors of food security, agriculture, conservation, environment and health and on the other hand to participate in technological transfers and training of highly

Qualified personnel.

Description of the position: Two Postdoctoral position with fellowship is available to join the Plant and Soil Microbiota group (Dr. Bulbul Ahmed) at the African Genome Center (AGC) of University Mohamed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Morocco. The group combines innovative approaches in molecular biology to understand plant-microbe interactions for climate resilient agriculture. The incumbents will conduct research on environmental genomics projects.

Project 1: Deciphering microbial community in adjusting functional categories in the microbial gene pool in arid environment. The incumbent will participate in developing the mapping of African soil microbiota, utilizing high throughput omics tools and bioinformatics pipelines.

Project 2: Metatranscriptomics for the functional characterization of complex microbial communities associated with medicinal plants in arid environments. The incumbent will participate in isolation and library preparation for transcriptomics analysis, gene annotation, expression and microbial diversity and network visualization for functional characterization.

Candidate profile: This position requires a Ph.D. in the field of plant biology, Molecular biology, genetic engineering, or a related field.

Demonstrated expertise in the use of genetics and molecular techniques is required. A good understanding on DNA/RNA extractions, PCR and library preparations is expected. Background in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and experienced in working with data analysis, meta-analysis, R languages will be an asset. We also expect a demonstrated ability to plan, conduct and interpret research results through publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Proven supervisory skills, and Positive attitude in changing environments.

Our offer: We are offering an excellent working condition in a highly interdisciplinary and international research environment with state of art research facilities. Postdocs will be benefited with a highly competitive full-time fellowship with social benefits. In addition, incumbents will get an opportunity to visit our collaborators lab in UK. Furthermore, we offer opportunities regarding work-life balance as well as health promotion service. The African Genome Center at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a cohesive scientific community and provide infrastructure to enable cutting edge molecular and genomic approaches to address problems in food security, agriculture, conservation, restoration of mines and human health in Morocco and Africa.

Level of employment: Full-time for two years.

Application deadline: November 30, 2023

Start date: As soon as qualified candidates are available.

How to apply: Interested candidates should submit (i) a letter of motivation, (ii) brief description of research experiences, (iii) a recent CV and (iv) contact details of two references in a single PDF file.

For more information, please contact Dr. Bulbul Ahmed; ahmed.mdbulbul@um6p.ma UM6P.