Transport and Telecommunication Institute

Location: University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, College of Computing, Bioinformatics Laboratory, Ben Guerir, Morocco. Duration: 2 years About the Lab/Institution: The Bioinformatics Laboratory conducts research in the fields of bioinformatics, computational biology and computational chemistry and serves the agricultural, environmental and health sectors. The lab also provides bioinformatics consulting and data management services to UM6P researchers and their collaborators. UM6P has state of the art NGS sequencers and mass spectrometry and the largest HPC (High Performance Computing) cluster in Africa. The laboratory aims to leverage these resources to address bioinformatics needs internally and at the African level and to develop innovative research and training programs. For more information about the laboratory, you can visit https://bioinformatics.um6p.ma/ Project Description: We are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team to develop a novel GPT-like system for bacterial genomes using cutting-edge genomic language models. This project aims to adapt and extend transformer-based architectures to create a powerful tool for understanding and predicting bacterial genomic sequences. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and optimizing these models, applying them to diverse bacterial use cases, and contributing to the development of software tools for the broader research community. Responsibilities: Develop and implement transformer-based genomic language models for bacterial genome analysis. Train and evaluate models on large-scale bacterial genomic datasets. Apply the developed models to address specific research questions, such as gene function prediction, antibiotic resistance analysis, and evolutionary studies. Analyze and interpret results, and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Collaborate with other researchers within the lab and external collaborators. Maintain accurate and organized records of research activities. Qualifications: Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Genomics, or a related field. Strong background in machine learning, particularly deep learning and natural language processing. Experience with transformer-based architectures (e.g., BERT, GPT) is highly desirable. Proficiency in Python and relevant machine learning libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch). Experience with bioinformatics tools and genomic data analysis. Strong programming and data analysis skills. Excellent communication and writing skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with bacterial genomic data. Knowledge of bacterial genetics and evolution. Experience developing software tools for bioinformatics applications. Experience with cloud computing platforms. To Apply: Please submit the following materials Cover letter outlining your research interests and experience. Curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications. A brief research statement describing your past research and future interests. Contact information for three professional references.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Development and Characterization of Organic Membranes for Applications in Electrodialysis and Capacitive Deionization Systems The CBS department of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is launching a call for applications for a postdoctoral fellow with expertise in laboratory or pilot scale membrane fabrication and characterization, as well as in the characterization of the physical, chemical, and separation properties of membranes. In-depth knowledge of the properties of materials used in membrane manufacturing, including the selection of appropriate materials based on performance requirements is required. The postdoctoral fellow will join the CBS-IGSAC department where he will be responsible for participating in the conduct of a research program on the valorization of phosphate by-products and its derivatives in order to develop and carry out studies on membrane techniques allowing the separation, concentration, recovery or destruction of certain elements. Thus, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the realization of a wide range of scale-up studies of a membrane manufacturing process to validate the selection of the appropriate design to desalinate brackish water and/or seawater. Job description: The position is open to candidates with a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognized university. Candidates must demonstrate that their doctoral work and past experience are related to one or more aspects of membrane manufacturing. Preference will be given to candidates with: Experience in the separation/purification of industrial effluents, particularly with membrane/electromembrane processes, Proven experience in the precipitation of value-added elements through separation methods, Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Fluency in English is a must. Candidate Criteria: Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or other related fields from a recognized university. Willingness to learn how to generate new ideas, form new connections, and build on existing ideas to develop effective concepts and solutions. Ability to supervise Ph.D. students. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Expected Activities: Conduct scientific research within the project team. Train and supervise Ph.D. students in their second and third years to prepare them for their defense. Conduct electrolysis/electrodialysis and membrane separation experiments. Monitor ongoing experiments and adjust settings as appropriate. Maintain high standards and quality in laboratory operations. Position Requirements: Expertise in materials chemistry and polymers. Competence in materials characterization. Knowledge of polymer membrane preparation and characterization. Understanding of electrochemistry. Expertise in membrane separation techniques. Ability to design and conduct electrolysis and electrodialysis experiments. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to interpret and analyze simulation and/or experimental results. Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and quality control measures. Capability to work collaboratively within a research team. Application and Selection Process: The application package must include: A cover letter detailing the candidate's motivation for applying to this position. A comprehensive curriculum vitae. Brief research statement. Contact information for three referees. The candidate must be highly motivated and capable of working independently. They should possess knowledge of materials and polymer science, along with experience in the preparation and characterization of polymer membranes. Additionally, familiarity with electrochemistry and membrane separation technology would be advantageous.

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 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, in particular on green and environmental chemistry applied to all aspects of chemical sciences: organic and inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology and process engineering. 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: We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified post-doctoral researcher to join our research team for a groundbreaking project focused on the development of green and sustainable electrochemical methodologies for the synthesis of phosphorus derivatives. This research project aims to address the growing demand for phosphorus-based chemicals while mitigating the environmental impact associated with their production. Expertise in molten salt and/or phosphate electrochemistry would be a plus for this position. Responsibilities: As a Post-Doctoral Researcher, your responsibilities will include: Green Electrochemical Synthesis: Conducting research to establish innovative and environmentally friendly electrochemical procedures for the production of green phosphorus intermediates, focusing on the creation of various P-X bonds using electrochemical redox reactions, sequential in-situ transformations, catalysis, and other related techniques. Experimental Validation: Designing and conducting experiments at laboratory and pilot scales to validate the feasibility and scalability of the developed processes for potential industrial applications. Analysis and Characterization: Employing a wide range of analytical techniques, including EM, SEM, AFM, XPS, UV-Vis, IR, cyclic voltammetry, and NMR to comprehensively characterize synthesized compounds and intermediates. Synthesis and Mechanistic Design: Contributing to the design and synthesis of novel phosphorus derivatives while gaining insights into mechanistic aspects of the electrochemical reactions. Sustainability: Ensuring that all research activities align with green and sustainable principles, with a focus on minimizing the carbon footprint of phosphorus derivative synthesis. Publication and Reporting: Collaborating with the research team to write scientific reports, prepare research publications, and effectively present results and data analysis in both French Candidate Criteria Ph.D. in Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a related field, with a strong background in electrochemical methods. Proven experience in the development of green and sustainable electrochemical methodologies, and electrochemical synthesis. Solid knowledge of electrochemistry, chemical analyses, and structural characterizations using techniques such as EM, SEM, AFM, XPS, UV-Vis, IR, cyclic voltammetry, NMR, etc. Motivated, adaptable, and able to work collaboratively within a research team. Proficiency in scientific writing, report preparation, and communication skills in both French and English. 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 plans, entrepreneurial ideas and concepts if any, and services to UM6P community: max 3-4 pages, 2 reference letters. UM6P.