Bahrain Polytechnic

Title: ASARI - Postdoctoral Position in Fungal Biotechnology and Biomass Valorization Entity: African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) - Laayoune 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 Entity (Hiring entity): The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Laayoune City, south of Morocco. It constitutes a structure of applied research with a vision of solving real Local, Regional, and African agriculture challenges leveraging up-to-date science and technology. To implement its vision, ASARI puts a lot of emphasis on interdisciplinary research in sectors of strategic interest for the southern regions of Morocco and for the African continent such as: Plant & animal biotechnology (biosaline agriculture, animal production & nutrition, valorization of native aromatic & medicinal plants and algae, etc.) Sustainable technologies in water, environment, and energy sectors. Description of the position: African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Laayoune is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of Fungal Biotechnology and Biomass Valorization. Candidates should hold a PhD in fungal biotechnology, fungal genetics, or a related field. Ability to engage professionally with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students across the university and externally is required. Evidence of research excellence is expected. Strong French and English communication skills, both verbal and written, are required. Education A Ph.D. in in fungal biotechnology, fungal genetics, or a related field from a recognized university. Requirement Strong expertise in fungal biotechnology and biodiversity Strong expertise in the extraction and characterization of enzymes Demonstrated expertise with isolating, culturing, and experimenting with various fungal species from field samples Experience in studying fungal biodiversity  Knowledge and familiarity with fungal genetic engineering High publication record in leading international and well ranked journals An experience in supervising of Master and/or PhD students Motivated self-starter with ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco's frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally. About CBS: Research within CBS is organized around two main areas: Chemistry with its main chemical engineering component, and chemo-biology as well as heat treatments and their applications in industries. CBS-GPE projects aim to achieve an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of these transformations to suggest new, original, more effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. Job Description: The Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Department is seeking applicants for Assistant professor position in computational research in interface chemical reactions to join our research team focused on studying reaction mechanisms and materials. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in modeling and simulation of atomic and molecular structures, along with extensive experience in analyzing the electronic and structural properties of materials. The position requires extensive knowledge in performing quantum mechanical calculations (e.g., first principles density functional theory (DFT)) to elucidate complex reaction mechanisms occurring at the surface of various materials. Key Responsibilities: Perform quantum mechanical calculations (DFT) for establishing reaction mechanisms and kinetics Develop and apply advanced computational models to predict the chemical and physical behaviours of materials Collaborate with experimental teams to interpret results and guide future experiments. Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and present at international conferences Mentor and train students and junior researchers Required Qualifications Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field. Minimum of 3 to 5 years of postdoctoral experience or equivalent in using DFT for studying reaction mechanisms and materials. Demonstrated programming skills (Python, Fortran, C++). Proven track record of publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. Skills and Attributes: Strong analytical skills and ability to solve complex problems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a collaborative research environment. Motivation for innovation and scientific excellence. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. UM6P.

About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (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. In its research approach, the UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions for developing up to date science and at continent level in order to address real challenges. All our programs run as start-ups and can be self-organized when they reach a critical mass. Thus, academic liberty is promoted as far as funding is developed by research teams. The research programs are integrated from long-term research to short-term applications in linkage with incubation and start-up ecosystems. About the Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering (CBS) The Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering Department (CBS) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The main objective of CBS is to set up a distinctive research-teaching program, of international level, to meet the research and teaching challenges of UM6P, on green and environmental chemistry applied to all aspects of chemical sciences: organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, biochemical and thermal reactions. Research at CBS is organized around several major areas, which aim to answer challenging industrial questions, from complex chemical and biochemical reactions to scale-up and validation of process engineering. CBS projects aim at an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of all transformations in order to propose new original alternatives in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness and sustainability. Position Overview We invite outstanding applicants whose research lies at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Chemistry. The successful candidate will develop a competitive research program, contribute to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and engage in collaborative projects with faculty, students, and industrial partners. The scope of the position is intentionally broad and may include (but is not limited to): Machine learning for molecular and reaction property prediction AI-based reaction modeling and retrosynthetic analysis Data-driven approaches to spectroscopy and structural analysis Cheminformatics and chemical data mining Computational catalysis or process optimization AI applications in analytical, organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry Automation in chemical experimentation or chemical robotics The selected candidate will be free to shape the balance between research, teaching, and collaborative innovation, based on their strengths and interests. During the selection process, applicants will be given the opportunity to express their preferred profile: Research-intensive: Focused on high-level research with light teaching duties Balanced: Combination of impactful research and active teaching Teaching-focused with applied research: Heavier involvement in curriculum development and hands-on educational innovation Qualifications Required: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to apply AI or machine learning tools to problems in chemistry. Strong publication record in reputable journals or conferences. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Desirable: Postdoctoral or equivalent academic or industrial experience. Experience in handling chemical datasets and tools (e.g., RDKit, DeepChem, Gaussian, ORCA, ChemML). Knowledge of modern machine learning techniques (e.g., deep learning, graph neural networks, generative models). Interest in interdisciplinary research and/or real-world applications. Responsibilities Develop and lead a research program at the AI–Chemistry interface. Teach courses related to chemistry, machine learning, or data-driven science. Supervise MSc and PhD students and contribute to curriculum development. Collaborate across departments and with external partners. Participate in the university’s broader mission of innovation and knowledge transfer. Application Process Candidates are invited to submit the following documents as a single PDF file: Cover Letter (including statement of motivation and preferred profile: research-intensive, balanced, or teaching-oriented) Curriculum Vitae (with list of publications) Research Statement (2–3 pages) Teaching Statement (1 page) Contact information for three referees (or letters of recommendation)