MSN - Post-Doctoral Researcher in Organophosphorus and Organosulfur Chemistry

Hosting institute:

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development.

This unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high quality academics and professionals in order to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech.

Job Description:

The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), through its Materials Science and Nanoengineering (MSN) department, is seeking a qualified Post-Doctoral Researcher specializing in organophosphorus chemistry. The researcher will focus on the synthesis, characterization, and application of phosphorus-based compounds, with potential uses in therapeutic and catalytic domains. This role will involve the development of innovative synthetic methods for various phosphorus compounds and their evaluation in specific applications.

The main research areas include:

• Development of methodologies for synthesizing organophosphorus  and Organosulfur compounds such as phosphonates, phosphinates, bisphosphonates, and related derivatives.
• Application of these synthetic methods for creating bioactive phosphorus compounds and assessing their biological activities (in vitro).
• Investigation of the vectorization and targeted delivery of these compounds, including in vitro and in vivo studies.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry (organic chemistry, radical chemistry, photochemistry, catalysis), Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields .
• Proven experience in organic synthesis, particularly in organophosphorus chemistry.
• Knowledge of catalysis and C-C bond formation methodologies is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary research team

Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize synthetic methodologies for organophosphorus compounds, including phosphonates, phosphinates, bisphosphonates, and related derivatives.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate the biological activity of bioactive phosphorus compounds, using in vitro and in vivo models.
• Explore methods for the vectorization and targeted delivery of organophosphorus compounds.
• Synthesize peptide-based organocatalysts incorporating phosphonic or phosphinic acid moieties for selective C-C bond formation.
• Analyze and characterize synthesized compounds using advanced analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, MS, IR spectroscopy).
• Prepare scientific publications and present research findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across different research areas within UM6P.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and students involved in the project. 

Application:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A CV detailing relevant research experience and accomplishments.
• A cover letter explaining their interest in the position, motivation, and ability to contribute to the research.
• A short description of previous research.
• Contact information for at least two referees.

Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process:

Candidates will be evaluated based on academic qualifications, research achievements, and relevance to the project. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.