Universidad de Manila

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, 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 developing in-depth understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying all chemical transformations in order to propose original, and innovative alternatives promoting efficiency, environmental friendliness and sustainability. Job Description As a core component of UM6P, the CBS Department aspires to lead research and teaching at the forefront of innovation. Our scope encompasses green and environmental chemistry across diverse domains: organic and inorganic chemistry, polymer chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, chemical and biochemical processes, and thermal reactions. Research endeavors at CBS blend deep molecular insights with practical applications, aiming to introduce novel, efficient, and sustainable alternatives. CBS is seeking a highly motivated and experienced researcher to join our faculty as an Assistant- Professor in Hydrometallurgy, e.g., hydrometallurgical recovery of resources. The goal of CBS Department is to strengthen research, education, and innovation activities within hydrometallurgical recovery of critical raw materials and hence increase its capacity and expertise to meet upcoming opportunities and challenges. The successful candidate will have a special responsibility for teaching chemical engineering and performing research within hydrometallurgical recovery of critical raw materials, based on a circular and sustainable perspective. He/She will contribute to CBS's Department, and consequently UM6P's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation by engaging in cutting-edge research, delivering high-quality instruction, and actively participating in the development of innovative solutions in the fields of Chemical Engineering. Key Responsibilities: Research Excellence: Drive pioneering research in Hydrometallurgy, with a focus on the development of concepts and methodologies that optimize the design and operation of efficient and sustainable processes.  Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to uncover a large variety of chemical and biochemical processes, and advance green and high-performance chemical transformations. Teaching and Mentorship: Develop and deliver high-impact courses in chemical engineering, focusing on process systems engineering at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Employ innovative pedagogical approaches to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering skills in students. Research Funding: Actively seek external funding opportunities to support research initiatives aligned with UM6P's mission. Lead collaborative efforts to prepare grant proposals, secure resources, and drive impactful research projects. Candidate Criteria Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Hydrometallurgy or a related field, complemented by a suitable research track record. Expertise in the field of Hydrometallurgy is essential, with demonstrated contributions to chemical and process engineering, substantiated by impactful research and publications.  Proven excellence in teaching and mentorship, evidenced by innovative pedagogical approaches and contributions to student learning and development. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a passion for interdisciplinary research and innovation.  Alignment with UM6P's mission of promoting sustainable economic development through research and innovation. Supervision/co-supervision experience at Master’s/PhD level. 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. Our Offer Very competitive salary and benefits package. A unique set of research partners and collaborators. Access to a pool of highly motivated and rigorously selected Master and PhD students with financial support.

About ASARI The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) launched by UM6P in Laayoune in 2020 within the Foum Eloued technopole project focuses on several research and development programs including biosaline agriculture, native species valorisation, camel value chain, water and renewable energy. The institute consists of a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, biochemists, molecular biologists, bioprocess specialists, animal scientist, etc to respond to regional challenges affecting marginal environments. Job Summary The postdoc will conduct research, prepare proposals, write reports and scientific papers to study the botany and ecology of native desert plant species of south of Morocco as well as their interaction of their ecosystems including the soil. The successful candidate will conduct field expeditions to collect plant and soil samples, characterize vegetation and their habitats as well as identifying plant species. Job Responsibilities Responsibilities will include but not limited to: Develop clear and strong methodology according to high standards in the field of plant ecology and botany. Conduct botanical expeditions to characterize native plant species of south of Morocco. Collect plant and soil samples and study interactives synergies between native species and their ecosystems. Identify plant species using botanical identification keys and AI tools. Elaborate plant and soil databases Conduct ethnobotanical field surveys Elaborate atlas botanical book including design and content Data scheduling, collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Supervise PhD and Master students as well as interns Project management including budget, materials, equipment, and staff Additional responsibilities will include: Research proposal writing for external funding Report writing for research project Manuscript writing and publication in referee journal. The candidate will also be expected to help maintain all field and laboratory equipment, order supplies as needed, and help maintain research plot records and. Responsibilities also involve frequent travelling in desert environments at national and international level Qualifications and Experience Essential Ph.D. in plant ecology, botany, plant science, or a closely related field Field based botanical research experience is essential. Expertise in of one of the following areas (please indicate in covering letter): Botany Plant ecology Taxonomy ethnobotany Good publications record in refereed journals Fluency in written and spoken English. French and Arabic will be a plus Experience in working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team Ability to initiate, conduct, and publish research in a scientific manner and to obtain external grant funding Well-developed oral and written communication skills Desirable: Working knowledge of statistics and database management Additional language skills, Arabic and French are desirable Supervisory experience

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