The University of Fiji

AgBS - Postdoctoral Position in Agronomy and Soil Microbiology    About UM6P: At the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development.  This nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process seeks high-quality academics and professionals to bolster its research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech. About AgroBioSciences (AgBS), College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences: The AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program is a component of the Science & Technology pole of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It constitutes a structure of higher education and practical-based research with a vision of solving real African agriculture challenges by leveraging up-to-date science and technology. The AgroBiosciences Program Research Center leverages up-to-date technologies to address African agriculture challenges. It is a multidisciplinary research center that aims to conduct relevant, cutting-edge research that positively impacts African agriculture. It is based on the collaboration and synergy of several research programs targeting diverse disciplines of research in agriculture, such as  Microbiome, Omics, Plant Physiology and Crop Improvement, Plant Pathology, By-products Valorization, Soil Sciences, Agronomy, and Sustainable Farming. Job/Project description: The AGBS at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University seeks a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our academic institution as a postdoctoral research staff member with skill in Agronomy and Soil Microbiology. The successful candidate will contribute to our institution's commitment to excellence in research and innovation in Agronomy and Soil Microbiology, mainly by conducting innovative research that allows us: (i) to characterize soil microbiome from African soils and (ii) participate in field surveys to generate samples for DNA extraction, amplicon, and shotgun sequencing tools. (iii) isolate and characterise microorganisms of agronomic interest, using phenotypic markers and molecular markers, and propose recommendations, (IV) conduct greenhouse assays to validate their benefits and develop recommendations.  Area of specialization: soil microbiome analysis, general microbiology, Molecular Biology, Agronomy and, Sequence dat analysis and R coding skills Main responsibilities: The selected candidate will be expected to: Conduct a field survey from farmer fields to obtain samples, and prepare a map of sampled areas within the project mandate, considering the landscape, field plots, and on-farm approaches.  Prepare soil for physico-chemical property measurements  Isolate beneficial microbial and conduct greenhouse and field assays to validate their benefits Analyses shotgun and amplicon data sequences from the project and reports. Prepare high draft quality manuscripts for submission Mentor master students and PhDs Education, qualifications, and experience Applicants must have earned a doctorate in Agronomy, Soil Microbiology, or Soil Sciences with hands-on experience in Bioinformatics tools  Strong knowledge in implementing statistics to analyse data from field studies, amplicon, shotgun, and whole sequences. Demonstrated experience in multidisciplinary research in the above research area. High-quality publications in relevant scientific journals demonstrate a strong record of research accomplishments. Experience in supervising undergraduate/graduate students. Strong communication skills in English and French, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and the broader scientific community. Applications and selection procedure: The application folder must contain: Cover letter indicating the position applied for and the main research interests. Detailed CV. Statement of research and teaching interests describing the candidates’ experience with the position field. 3 reference letters

About RoboPrecinct@PDD SmartPrecinct@PDD initiative aims to develop a precinct-scale robotics and embodied AI ecosystem at Punggol Digital District (PDD). The programme establishes shared digital infrastructure, regulatory frameworks (including cybersecurity and safety), embodied AI capabilities, industry collaborations, and real-world test-bedding environments to enable safe and scaled deployment of robots in PDD. The Programme Manager will lead the Programme Office and support the strategic planning, development, coordination, and governance of the SmartPrecinct@PDD programme. Key Responsibilities Programme management Reporting to the Lead PI of the SmartPrecinct@PDD programme, the Senior Programme Manager will oversee the overall execution and progress monitoring across multiple work packages in the programme. Coordinate multi-disciplinary activities to ensure alignment of technical development, infrastructure deployment, and regulatory initiatives. Support the principal investigators (PIs) to conduct technical integration between work packages where applicable. Track programme milestones, deliverables, budget, and reporting to the grantor and institution leadership. Supervise other Programme Office staff and coordinate administrative support functions. Stakeholder and governance management Lead engagement with government agencies and other stakeholders to develop governance frameworks for robot operations in PDD. Coordinate development of policies and agreements related to robot certification, data sharing, safety compliance, and cybersecurity standards. Support programme steering committees by preparing briefings, reports, and strategic updates. Ecosystem development Identify strategic collaborations with new industry and public sector partners to grow the SmartPrecinct@PDD ecosystem. Support programme expansion initiatives and new funding opportunities. Requirements Minimum Bachelor’s degree in engineering, robotics, computer science, AI, cybersecurity, or a related field. Ideally 10+ years of relevant experience in programme management, technology development, or public-sector innovation initiatives, with strong technical background in related fields. Experience managing large multi-stakeholder projects involving government agencies, industry partners, and research institutions. Strong strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement capabilities. Proven ability to manage complex programmes involving multiple technical teams and deliverables. Excellent communication and leadership skills. *Note: The incumbent will be appointed as REsearch Engineer/Research Fellow if successful.

Project summary An exciting opportunity is available to join the laboratories of Dr Ali Roghanian and Dr Salah Mansour at the University of Southampton in collaboration with MiNK Therapeutics. We are seeking a collaborative and motivated scientist to work on our newly funded programme developing next-generation, off-the-shelf immunotherapies for childhood cancers. This 12 month project will harness engineered cytotoxic invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells for precision targeting of paediatric cancer neoantigens. Building on strong preliminary data, it combines mechanistic and translational immunology with bespoke preclinical models to define and exploit therapeutic candidates. The Research Technician will lead studies on cytotoxic T cell mechanisms, oversee preclinical validation, and advance TCR-engineered iNKT platforms optimised for immunotherapy. The role bridges basic and translational research and suits a creative scientist with interests in tumour immunology, T cell engineering, and immunotherapy. You will join a multidisciplinary team spanning immunology, with access to advanced flow cytometry and in vivo platforms. The funding is initially available for 12 months, with the possibility of extension to 21 months, subject to satisfactory progress. Key responsibilities To work within the Mansour and Roghanian labs, and with collaborators at Southampton, LifeArc and MiNK Therapeutics. To design, conduct, and analyse in vitro immunology experiments. To lead the optimisation and functional assessment of engineered human T cells. To liaise and coordinate between project collaborators, including the industrial partner, and core facilities. To record analyses accurately and present results at group and collaborative meetings, and conferences. To contribute to dissemination of findings through publications and grant applications. Any other duties appropriate to the scope and grade of the post. Essential qualifications, experience and competencies Degree (BSc or equivalent) in biological or biomedical sciences or equivalent experience Strong practical experience with core immunological assays (e.g., FACS, ELISA, T cell assays). Ability to manage projects to timelines, and work both independently and collaboratively. Excellent communication and presentation skills, including at conferences. Desirable Experience in engineering human T cells, viral transduction, or related approaches. About us The University of Southampton offers a strong environment for translational immunology. Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CES) is a hub for infection and immunology, while the Centre for Cancer Immunology (CCI) is the UK’s first dedicated cancer immunology centre. Together, they unite expertise in T cell biology, multiomics, immunotherapy, preclinical modelling, and clinical translation, supported by an embedded Clinical Trials Unit and close links with NHS and industry partners. Application Applicants should provide: A CV A cover letter outlining suitability for the role Contact details for at least two recent referees Start date: May 2026 or soon after (negotiable)