Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Arido

Overview of the UM6P and MSN Department Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a research-driven institution dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With a strong focus on applied research, UM6P aims to tackle sustainable development challenges in Morocco and across Africa. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, the university fosters a dynamic ecosystem where students, faculty, and researchers collaborate to drive impactful change. Through interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships with academia, industry, and policymakers, UM6P bridges the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications. Located in the heart of Benguerir’s Green City, UM6P aspires to make a lasting impact on national, continental, and global scales, positioning itself as a leader in education, research, and innovation. The Materials Science, Energy, and Nano-engineering (MSN) department at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University focuses on innovative research and education to address Moroccan and African challenges. Its work spans four key areas: energy transition, surface technology, polymers and composites, and sustainable materials. With over 70 researchers and PhD students, and strong national and international collaborations, MSN is a growing force in materials research. Job Description Postdoctoral Researcher in Mineral Processing, Battery Materials, and Sustainable Process Engineering.  The researcher will join a multidisciplinary research program aimed at optimizing natural graphite for Li-ion battery applications, developing sustainable purification technologies, and advancing circular water management in mineral processing. The work spans mineral processing, electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy, and environmental engineering. The successful candidate will carry out duties to the highest standard and will: Help at designing and setting up experimental work at lab and pilot scale. Perform materials characterization (XRD, Raman, SEM-EDS, TGA, PSD, BET, ICP). Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical optimization tools to improve processes within the main project and across other ongoing research lines. Fabricate and test graphite anodes via electrochemical techniques (CV, EIS, galvanostatic cycling). Establish correlations between purification conditions, structural properties, and electrochemical performance. Contribute to side research activities involving biomass-derived biochar production, its application in water purification, and the evaluation of adsorption or catalytic performance. Analyze wastewater streams for organic and inorganic contaminants. Evaluate recovery or reuse pathways for reagents and valuable by-products. Assess environmental, economic, and regulatory implications of proposed solutions. Propose scalable solutions for industrial implementation and Water-Energy-Materials nexus. Collaborate with suppliers, support staff, and other engineers, PhD students to plan and implement experiments related to the project. Set up testing methods, instruments and perform data acquisition related to the project. Write proposals, reports, scientific articles and Patent proposals related to the project. Candidate Profile Strong proficiency in software tools related to materials/process modeling, thermochemical systems, statistical design (DoE), and data analysis. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Solid understanding of the physics, chemistry, and structure–property relationships of carbon materials and inorganic solids. Strong skills in materials characterization techniques, including SEM, XRD, Raman, BET, TGA, ICP, and electrochemical testing. Experience with hydrometallurgical and thermochemical processes, carbon purification, or mineral processing is required; familiarity with pyrolysis or other high-temperature treatments is considered an asset. Demonstrated ability to perform experimental work at lab scale, with experience in pilot-scale setups considered a plus. Proven track record in designing, conducting, and optimizing experiments, ideally supported by DoE/statistical methods. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and multicultural research team. Prior experience in industrial research and development , battery materials, mineral processing, or related sectors is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to work with industry partners and deliver results within defined deadlines. Education Successful candidates must hold a PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemical or Process Engineering, Mineral Processing, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in carbon materials, battery materials, sustainable purification processes, or thermochemical treatment of solids is highly desirable.

Microbial Ecology and Evolution Research group led by Professor Ville-Petri Friman at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with background in molecular virology, microbiology and metagenomics/metaviromics to a Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation funded project: ‘Discovering the benefits of plant growth-promoting bacteriophages About the position: Plant growth is not only determined by the plant genotype but also by the presence of beneficial microbes that can boost plant growth by providing access to nutrients, defending plants against invading pathogens, and producing plant growth-promoting hormones. While increasing evidence suggests that phages can shape the composition, diversity and functioning of rhizosphere bacterial communities, we lack an understanding of how these changes are associated with plant health and growth. The main aim of this project is to experimentally study how phages can boost plant growth and to determine the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms of phage-mediated plant growth-promotion. Even though phages do not directly interact with plants, they can indirectly affect plant growth by interacting with plant-associated rhizosphere bacteria. For example, lytic phages can infect and kill plant-pathogenic bacterial taxa and reduce their relative abundances alleviating plant disease symptoms. Selective killing of bacterial taxa can also lead to the enrichment of plant growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizosphere, which could result in improved plant growth. Moreover, by killing bacteria, lytic phages release nutrients in the rhizosphere, which could help plants sequester and assimilate resources to support their growth. Finally, temperate phages can integrate into bacterial chromosomes and provision bacteria with additional genes (auxiliary metabolic genes, or AMGs for short) that do not only improve bacterial survival but could also boost the expression of plant growth-promoting functions. In this project, we will use a highly trackable tomato rhizosphere model system to directly study if phages can boost plant growth by interacting with rhizosphere bacterial communities in the plant roots. Specifically, we will focus on understanding the importance of three key mechanisms of phage-mediated plant growth-promotion: i) Release of nutrients in the rhizosphere due to the killing of bacteria by phages, ii) Selective enrichment of plant growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizosphere by phages, and iii) Provisioning of bacteria with plant growth-promoting functional genes by temperate phages. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with experience in molecular virology, microbiology and metagenomics/metaviromics to join our international team. The candidate should hold PhD degree in microbiology, bioinformatics or related field, and good written and verbal communication skills in English are necessary. The postdoctoral position is for 4 years starting in April 2026.  Requirements Doctoral degree in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, bioinformatics or another relevant field. The degree requirement (doctoral degree) must be met by the beginning of the employment. Experience in bioinformatics and metagenomic and/or metaviromic analyses. Experience or knowledge in plant biology/pathology, plant-microbe interactions, microbial ecology, evolution or phage biology are desirable. Ability to conceive, execute, and complete research projects independently. Creativity and good group-working skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. What we offer Competitive salary, high-quality local infrastructure and a top-level interdisciplinary and international collaboration network. State-of-art computational resources from the Finnish IT Center for Science (CSC). Additional training for microbial bioinformatics and plant pathology (if needed). Possibility to visit collaborators at the Nanjing Agricultural University, and other Universities, depending on training needs and candidate preferences. Supportive and non-discriminative working environment. The salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary of the postdoctoral researcher will be ca. 3600-3800 euros/month, depending on the appointees’ qualifications and experience. A six-month trial period will be applied. The workplace of the position is in Helsinki, Finland. How to apply Please submit your application as a single pdf file in English using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System. Please include the following in your application:  A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) including descriptions of the candidate’s: background and methodological skills relevant for the position research interest or a vision for the research conducted in this position past experience on working in multidisciplinary groups or research environments CV that includes a list of publications  Names and contact details of two referees  External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via Apply Now button. Applicants who have a helsinki.fi -username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher’s contract or a visiting researcher’s contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the Employee login. The deadline for the applications is 2.2.2026 (at 23.59 EET), while the preferred start date is the 1.4.2026. Further information The position: Professor Ville-Petri Friman (ville-petri.friman@helsinki.fi) University of Helsinki recruitment system: HR Specialist Mirkka Juntunen (via HR Services uni-help@helsinki.fi) https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-agriculture-and-forestry/research/microbiology https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/microbial-ecology-and-evolution https://villefrimanscience.weebly.com/ About the Department of Microbiology and Finland The department of Microbiology is part of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry and is located on the Viikki campus. The research focuses on microbial ecology and evolution, as well as the application of microbiology in agriculture and forestry, food production, medicine, environmental sciences and microbial biotechnology. The mission of the faculty is to promote the sustainable use of renewable natural resources, covering the full natural resource chain from farm to fork, the entire field of forest sciences from soil chemistry to marketing, as well as the environmental effects of related activities. www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-agriculture-and-forestry Finland is one of the most livable countries, with a high quality of life, safety and excellent education system. Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality and inexpensive childcare, free schooling and tertiary training (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families. The successful candidate will receive the benefits provided by the University of Helsinki to university employees, including occupational health care services, and obtain access to high-quality public affordable childcare services and schools. A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University. JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER! #HelsinkiUniCareers

Postdoctoral Researcher in Theoretical Evolutionary Biology  Modelling the Evolution of Sex-Specific Differences in Life History and Immunity Supervisor: Dr. Piret Avila Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Academy Research Fellow Dr. Piret Avila are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher to develop theoretical work on the evolution of sex-specific differences in immunity and life history traits. We are accepting applications immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The ideal starting date is February/March 2026, but it can be later.  The position involves developing mathematical models to understand how natural selection shapes sex-specific immune strategies. The goal is to generate quantitative predictions testable against empirical data from diverse ecological contexts. We use methods from theoretical evolutionary biology, including optimal control theory, life history modelling, adaptive dynamics, and population genetics. This position is part of the interdisciplinary consortium at the University of Helsinki, Sex Differences in Immunity, led by Dr. Avila, which brings together researchers across evolutionary biology, immunology, genomics, demography, and statistics to bridge evolutionary and mechanistic explanations of sex differences in immunity. WHAT WE OFFER Starting salary for post-doctoral researchers is approximately 3625 euros/month A fully-funded 3-year position at the University of Helsinki (Viikki campus) An opportunity to conduct research as part of a vibrant interdisciplinary consortium, bridging evolutionary theory with immunology, genomics, and demography Collaboration across disciplines, with research visits to leading groups in the field Funding for attending international conferences to build your scientific network Access to excellent resources and professional development opportunities The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers). YOUR PROFILE PhD in biology, mathematics, or a related field Strong background in mathematical or computational modelling Ability to develop and pursue independent research questions Interest in or experience with interdisciplinary research is a plus How to apply A motivation letter (max 1 page), short description of your research interests and description of your background relevant to the position Curriculum vitae (max 3 pages) Publication list Contact information of two persons who are willing to provide a reference letter by separate request External applicants, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply Now button. Applicants who have a helsinki.fi username and a valid employment contract, a grant researcher's contract or a visiting researcher's contract at the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application by using the Employee Login button. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2025 at 23:59 EEST. We will process applications already during the application period and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Further information  About the position: Academy Research Fellow Piret Avila piret.avila@helsinki.fi Recruitment system: rekrytointi@helsinki.fi   Viikki Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/campuses/viikki-campus Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome and https://ihhelsinki.fi (International House Helsinki) Why choose University of Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-biological-and-environmental-sciences