Scripps College

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). ASARI is located in Laayoune City and constitutes a structure of practical-based research leveraging up-to-date science and technology with a vision of solving relevant Local, Regional, and African agriculture challenges. ASARI acts in connection with a wide network of universities and research centers around the continent to link real field issues with up-to-date science. The institute consists of a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, biochemists, molecular biologists, bioprocess specialists, animal scientists working with agricultural producers and other stakeholders in response to challenges affecting marginal environments. ASARI has mandates that includes three main research programs for, AgriBioTechnology that leverages up to date technologies in the service of the Southern Moroccan and Sub-Saharan agriculture challenges. Its ambition is to conduct relevant and cutting-edge research on plant/crop improvement, biosaline agriculture, valorization of local agricultural and marine resources, and animal nutrition and breeding with a positive impact on the African agriculture. Water treatment and management which is oriented towards the development of cost-effective desalinization processes for agriculture and other uses, Renewable energy that aims at developing new approaches to produce clean energy to address persistent challenges. Description of the position: ASARI seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a team of agronomy, agroecology, soil fertility management and remote sensing research experts who seek to develop precise fertilizer recommendations and regenerative cropping systems in arid-saline conditions of Morocco. We seek a highly motivated candidate with a PhD from a recognized University who is passionate about developing innovations that have direct impacts on farmers in arid lands. The candidate will participate in evaluating plant and soil biochemical mechanisms and above ground indices that can foster carbon sequestration and overall soil health in an arid environment. The candidate will also be expected to provide specialized expertise in engineering arid land agroecosystems with native plant species and soil ameliorants to enhance carbon sequestration and arrest soil erosion by wind. The candidate is expected to roll out multilocation trials and laboratory scale experiments and develop knowledge that can contribute to relevant teaching modules at UM6P, high quality publications, patents and research proposals for funding. The fellowship will be for a duration of 24 months after which further employment will be subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. Job Responsibilities Establishing research protocols for large scale on-farm experiments with the components of biochemical analysis of precursors of soil carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling Analyzing and developing models for quantifying carbon sequestration in a biome of native vegetation and constructing hedge rows in a desert environment Calibration, operation and troubleshooting of soil analytical equipment including GC, organic carbon analyzer, HPLC and spectrophotometer etc. Refining laboratory procedures for analysis of plant root ecosystem services for carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and relevant microbial communities. This includes assaying root – soil chemical interactions and imaging for simulation of soil health indices Contribution to the design of regenerative cropping systems and ameliorants particularly nanomaterials that can valorize drifting soil in arid lands Contribution to relevant research proposals, project reports, scientific publications and patents of potential nanomaterials Teaching pertinent graduate and undergraduate courses and training of UM6P technical staff. Capacity building of farmers and agricultural stakeholders in soil health and carbon sequestration. This role involves frequent travel and field activities in arid conditions of southern Morocco and lab activities at UM6P-ASARI. Education A Ph.D. in Soil Biochemistry, Soil Chemistry, Agronomy or related field. Requirement Strong experience in the analysis of soil and plant root biochemistry and nutrient cycling during thesis research. Basic understanding of soil carbon dynamics and mainstreaming in sustainable cropping systems and environment Experience in operation and troubleshooting of soil analytical equipment including GC, organic carbon analyzer, HPLC and spectrophotometer etc. Strong expertise in quantifying plant and soil carbon sequestration Proven experience in assaying root – soil chemical interactions and imaging for simulation of soil health and nutrient acquisition Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data analysis using R and SAS. Basic knowledge of remote sensing application to quantify carbon sequestration is desirable Proficiency in written and spoken English

Job Summary MAScIR-UM6P is seeking an enthusiastic and highly skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our research team. The successful candidate will be involved in cutting-edge research focusing on soil biology, microbial ecology, and molecular biology techniques. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to advancing our understanding of microbial communities in soil ecosystems and their roles in nutrient cycling, soil health, and environmental sustainability. Job Responsibilities Conduct independent and collaborative research projects focused on the effect seaweeds bioproducts on soil biology, soil carbon, microbial diversity, and functional genomics. Apply molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, metagenomics, transcriptomics) to study microbial communities in soil environments. Develop and optimize laboratory protocols for characterization, and functional analysis of soil biology. Utilize high-throughput sequencing technologies to analyze soil microbiomes and interpret the data using bioinformatics tools. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers, including soil scientists, biochemists, and ecologists. Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences. Mentor graduate students and contribute to the lab's overall research strategy. Manage and analyze large datasets, ensuring proper documentation and reproducibility. Qualifications and Experience Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field. Strong background in soil microbiology and molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing). Experience with high-throughput sequencing technologies (e.g., Illumina, PacBio) and bioinformatics analysis. Solid understanding of microbial ecology, soil systems, and their interactions with plants and the environment. Experience in microbial functional analysis (e.g., functional gene sequencing, metabolic pathway analysis). Knowledge of environmental sustainability, soil health, or plant-microbe interactions. Proficiency in the use of bioinformatics tools for metagenomic and transcriptomic data analysis (e.g., QIIME, DADA2, R, Python). Demonstrated ability to independently design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish results. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively. Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.   Application procedure: Applications must be sent using a single electronic zipped folder with the mention of the job title. The folder must contain: A detailed CV. A synthetic presentation of your background, projects and activities, key achievements cover letter highlighting their qualifications 3 references letters   About UM6P: 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 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 of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The main objective of CBS is to set up a distinctive research-teaching program of international level, in order to meet the research and teaching challenges of UM6P, in particular 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. Job Description CBS is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to join our faculty as a Professor in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) and Structural Chemistry. The successful candidate will contribute to UM6P's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation by engaging in cutting-edge research, delivering high-quality teaching materials, and actively participating in the development of innovative solutions in the field of NMR spectroscopy applied to organic and inorganic chemistry. This position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic and internationally oriented academic institution that emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development in Africa. Key Responsibilities: Research Excellence: lead groundbreaking research in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) applied to chemical sciences. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to unravel molecular insights, develop innovative applications, and contribute to NMR's role in advancing various scientific disciplines. Teaching and Mentorship: Develop and teach advanced courses in NMR and related subjects at undergraduate and graduate levels. Employ innovative pedagogical methods to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, fostering a culture of exploration and intellectual growth. Research Funding: Proactively seek external funding to support research initiatives and projects aligned with UM6P's mission. Collaborate with colleagues on grant proposals, securing resources to advance NMR-related research. Candidate Criteria Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field, complemented by a distinguished record of NMR research accomplishments. Extensive experience in applying NMR techniques to chemical and molecular research. Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentorship, evidenced by effective pedagogical approaches and contributions to student learning and development. A proven track record in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) through published paper in reputable peer-reviewed journals, peer-reviewed grand support, and participation in national/international conferences. Strong collaboration skills, with a keen inclination towards interdisciplinary research and innovation. Exceptional communication skills aligned with UM6P's emphasis on knowledge dissemination and impactful outreach. Application and Selection: The application folder must contain: Detailed CV, Cover letter along with a synthetic presentation of the background, research works, projects and activities, publications, key achievements, Research and teaching statement, entrepreneurial ideas and concepts if any, and services to UM6P community: max 3-4 pages, 3 reference letters.