University of South Asia

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

Job/Project description: The College of Computing at Mohamed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Benguerir, Morocco is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research position with a research focus in Computational Biology. The candidates should be highly motivated and have a Ph.D. in computational biology or any related field, and a good knowledge of molecular biology. The candidate will be part of the bioinformatics laboratory at the college of computing (bioinformatics.um6p.ma). The project aims to build a simulator for the response of mutations at different levels. The candidate will be responsible for building a simulator that allows researchers to see the response of their proposed mutations at DNA, RNA and protein levels. The candidate should have a deep understanding of the central dogma of biology and the effect of mutations. He/she would also be required to have a sound computational background, especially in the area of simulations. Criteria of the candidate: PhD in the field of Computational Biology, or related fields Strong publication record in leading international journals Excellent background in molecular biology Excellent programming skills Experience in computational analysis of molecular data Experience with high performance computing  Aptitude for team work, problem solving and collaborative relationships Excellent verbal and written skills in English Organizational dexterity and ability to prioritize and manage multiple goals Positive attitude in changing fast-paced environments Active participation in improvement of self, processes and goals About UM6P: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P,https://www.um6p.ma/en) is an international higher education institution, established to provide research and innovation at the service of education and development for Morocco and the African continent. It has a state-of-the-art campus at the heart of the Green City of Benguerir, near Marrakesh. UM6P academics and staff enjoy strong research funding, moderate teaching loads, and excellent facilities. Its research approach is transdisciplinary with an emphasis on international collaboration. Many of our research programs run as start-ups. OCP group (http://www.ocpgroup.ma/en/home), a world leader in fertilizer production, is a major starter client for the University providing capital and research funds. In parallel, a new portfolio of clients is growing with the development of an R&D cluster around the University and a growing number of international partnerships. Applications and selection procedure: Applications must contain: A cover letter indicating the position applied for and the main research interests. A detailed CV. A brief research statement. Contact information of 3 references (Applicants are assumed to have obtained their references’ consent to be contacted for this matter). About the employer 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. Areas of Research Computational Biology Bioinformatics Computer Science Molecular Biology

About UM6P: 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 an entity of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The main objective of CBS is to set up a distinctive research-teaching program of international level, in order 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 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 CBS is looking for a post-doctoral fellow in process systems engineering, and particularly in modeling, simulation and optimization of the phosphate value chain processes. In terms of research, the candidate will reinforce the team of the CBS department. His/her experience and expertise should enable him/her to contribute and pursue research activities on industrial subjects relating to chemical phosphate manufacturing processes. The candidate will also participate in the supervision of internships, projects and practical work related to the above-mentioned scientific fields. He/she will play an active role in the life of the program, organizing seminars, workshops and conferences related to the chemical and Process Engineering stream. The candidate will also be expected to participate in UM6P's collective projects and external missions, and to provide support to students (PhD and Master), i.e., supervision for the writing of reports, dissertations and end-of-study papers. Skills Expertise in the following fields: Chemical and process engineering. Modeling (first-principles and data-driven models), simulation and optimization methods. Programming languages, i.e. Python, Matlab, ... Level of experience evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals. Fluent in French and English. Experience of working as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Ability to write publications, reports and projects. Oral and written communication skills. Candidate Criteria Ph.D. in Chemical engineering or a related field. Extensive experience in unit operations and chemical processes. Ability to conduct experiments. Experience in using both steady-state and dynamic modeling, simulation and optimization tools, e.g. Aspen, Pro/II, GAMS, gProms... Ambitious, curious, autonomous, and open-minded person. A proven track record of research publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals. Exceptional communication skills aligned with UM6P's emphasis on knowledge dissemination and impactful outreach. Demonstrate an aptitude for teamwork. 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, 3 reference letters. Duration 2 years. UM6P.