University of Alkafeel

Postdoctoral fellow Position in Omics and Soil Microbiome Research (2 years) The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a Postdoctoral fellow position to join an interdisciplinary research project focused on metaproteomic analysis of soil microbial communities. This project aims to identify key genes and enzymes involved in mitigating salinity stress and improving soil health and crop productivity. These positions are part of a broader initiative to develop biofertilizers and sustainable agricultural strategies to combat soil degradation and salinization. Research will involve state-of-the-art metaproteomics, bioinformatics, and functional microbiome studies conducted in field trials, greenhouse experiments, and laboratory settings. This role will focus on the interactions between rhizosphere microbiota and plant roots, investigating how microbial enzymes enhance plant stress tolerance under salinity conditions. The successful candidate will: Conduct metaproteomic and genomic sequencing of microbial communities associated with plant roots. Identify microbial enzymes and functional pathways involved in nutrient acquisition and stress adaptation. Analyze plant-microbe interactions in response to salinity stress. Collaborate on biofertilizer development incorporating beneficial microbial enzymes. Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Soil Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science, or a related field. Expertise in microbiome data analysis, metagenomics, or metaproteomics. Proficiency in bioinformatics tools for multi-omics data processing Strong publication record in relevant fields. Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and collaborate across research groups. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in functional characterization of microbial enzymes. Familiarity with microbial ecology and soil biochemistry in stress adaptation. Background in field and greenhouse experimental design. Application Process: Applicants should submit the following documents: Cover letter detailing research interests and relevant experience. Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a full list of publications. Contact information for three references. For inquiries, please contact achraf.elalali@um6p.ma

POSTDOC POSITION IN ADVANCED COATING OF LFP MATERIALS – IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, CANADA We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to explore advanced coating techniques for Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) materials. This role focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions to enhance the performance of LFP batteries, with a particular emphasis on advanced material coating strategies. The project addresses the growing need to improve the surface properties and stability of LFP materials, especially under high-performance applications. Traditional methods for coating and stabilizing LFP cathodes often face limitations in durability and electrochemical efficiency. This research aims to overcome these challenges by applying innovative coating techniques using polymer- and nanomaterial-based coatings. These advanced coatings will enhance not only the chemical and thermal stability of the LFP materials but also improve their electrochemical performance, surface area, and selective permeability. The successful candidate will investigate methods to coating active materials, such as nanostructured coatings, to protect the LFP particles while optimizing their performance in high-energy-density applications. The coated LFP materials should exhibit superior mechanical and chemical resilience, ensuring that the coatings maintain their structural integrity during industrial-scale operations. Key research areas include: Developing novel polymer- or nanomaterial-based shells to coat the LFP particles Enhancing the surface properties of the coatings to selectively permit ion diffusion, increasing the electrochemical performance while reducing unwanted reactions. Ensuring that the coated LFP materials remain stable under high-voltage and cycling conditions typical in energy storage applications. Focusing on scaling these advanced materials for industrial applications, from traditional battery technologies to more innovative energy storage systems. This position will contribute to the next generation of LFP-based batteries, improving their safety, efficiency, and overall performance for sustainable energy storage solutions. Job Description: The successful candidate will carry out duties to the highest standard and will: Undertake original research of international excellence. Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research projects. Publish papers in leading journals and present research findings at national/international conferences, workshops, and meetings to effectively disseminate the results and contribute to successful research outputs. Communicate the development, progress and results of research activities to the team, Communicate the development, progress and results of research activities to the team to ensure that relevant information and issues in the implementation of projects/experiments are captured in as comprehensive and timely manner as possible. Establish collaborative links with the core scientific personnel in related program areas to gain exposure to and build knowledge on experimental/research activities and approaches, in order to improve conceptual development and industrial implementation. Identify areas of improvement within the research structure using integrated management approaches in pursuit of capacity building/strengthening and the preservation of scientific rigor in research studies. Support if required, the development of proposals for research funding. Candidate PROFILE: PhD in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or related subject. Expertise in electrochemistry, polymer chemistry, and materials synthesis. Proficient in the materials (polymers and nanomaterials) characterization. Solid knowledge and experience in polymer coating and LFP or other battery electrode materials. Hands-on experience in battery fabrication and characterization. Familiarity with energy storage technologies is preferred. Associated Skills: Experience working on a project combining organic materials synthesis, purifications, and their characterization. Proven past experiences on the preparation and characterization of polymers and electrochemistry. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team. Proven ability of working with projects partners to reach their objectives timely. Excellent networking ability and organizational skills. Proven and distinct work experiences in academia and/or industries and/or abroad are highly requested. Ability to generate new ideas, links, and builds upon existing ones to generate unique concepts and solutions. Experience in co-supervision and coordination of masters and PhD level students. Excellent communication in both English and French languages. Good publication track record in peer-reviewed journals with respect of the career development. Willingness to work on an international team and travel between Morocco and Canada. Team Members: UM6P – Dr. Mouad Dahbi – Dr. Mohamed Aqil University Of Waterloo (Waterloo) – Dr. Yuning Li (Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology). Program Details: UM6P will be the administrative body for the program, where candidates will apply to the UM6P Postdoctoral Program and will be formally employed as a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) by UM6P.  Candidates will be paid through the UM6P administration for the entire length of the program. The salary is $2,000 USD/month (approximately $2,700 CAD per month), as guaranteed by UM6P for the entirety of the program. Waterloo co-supervisors may offer additional funding support to the candidates for their residency at Waterloo. The amount and duration of additional funding will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The program duration will normally be three years; during this time the residency will be split between the UM6P and Waterloo campuses. Candidates will spend a total residency of one year and half (1.5) years at Waterloo and a total residency of one year and half (1.5) year at UM6P. The details and schedule will be determined upon mutual agreement by the candidates and their respective UM6P and Waterloo co-supervisors. 

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. 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. Job Description: The Applied Chemistry and Engineering Research Center of Excellence (ACER CoE) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University invites applications for faculty positions specialized in water desalination processes and technologies. The positions are open to individuals who hold MS degree and PhD in water desalination or closely related engineering fields. Preference will be given to those with proven excellence in research achievements; a strong track record in publications top tier journals, and established international  career in academia and/or in industry. Proven records in  fund acquisition, the co-supervision of MS and PhD students, and teaching efforts are required. Also, excellent communication  and writing skills in English are mandatory. Key duties: Successful candidates are expected to: Perform multidisciplinary research on desalination and membrane processes, and contribute in developing funded research programs, with a special emphasis on innovative and sustainable technologies for seawater desalination, fouling mitigation  and brine management Develop and teach courses at the under and postgraduate levels related to the candidate's areas of research in seawater and brackish water desalination. Supervise PhDs and young researchers Participate in writing proposals and managing extramural funding Publish the results in refereed top-tier international journals. Pursue scholarly and professional activities that will keep him/her at the leading edge of his/her field. Criteria of the candidate: PhD in the subject discipline At least 5 years of proven experience in the subject discipline Relevant experience in the subject discipline as a faculty member, postdoctoral researcher or in industry would be an asset  Established track record in R&D, teaching, and fundraising Proven hands-on expertise with membrane-based technologies for desalination  Experience with the mitigation of fouling phenomena and/or management of desalination brine is a plus. Demonstrated mastering of operational requirements for a successful research project and managing resources. Prior co-supervising PhDs and young researchers Ability to generate new ideas, or build upon existing ones, to generate innovative and  marketable concepts and solutions. UM6P.