Ventspils University College

Institution/Department Mohammed VI Polytechnic University Chemical & biochemical sciences.green process engineering Research Unit on Microbiome and Host-Pathogen Interactions Project Overview: We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary team focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The selected candidate will have a vital role in an innovative project that aims to map the resistome and clarify the mechanisms of multidrug resistance across diverse microbiomes—comprising clinical, environmental, and host-associated microbial communities. This project seeks to comprehend how antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) disseminate within microbial populations via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and how these processes affect human health, particularly regarding colorectal cancer (CRC). Key Responsibilities: Perform shotgun metagenomics and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on microbial samples from various environments (clinical, environmental, tumor-associated microbiomes). Develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines for resistome, mobilome, and virulome profiling using tools such as MEGARes, CARD, VFDB, and PlasmidFinder. Investigate horizontal gene transfer (HGT) dynamics and plasmid-mediated dissemination of ARGs across microbial communities. Conduct phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses to uncover the evolution of multidrug resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Analyze co-occurrence networks between resistance genes, virulence factors, and mobile elements in microbiome datasets. Collaborate with clinical partners and microbiome researchers to integrate multi-omics data for comprehensive resistome analysis. Publish high-quality research articles and present findings at international conferences. Contribute to grant writing and development of new research proposals. Required Qualifications: PhD in Microbial Genomics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Microbiology, Infectious Disease Biology, or a related field. Proven experience with high-throughput sequencing technologies (Illumina, Nanopore) and metagenomic analyses. Strong background in bioinformatics tools for microbiome analysis (QIIME2, Kraken2, MetaPhlAn) and AMR gene identification (MEGARes, CARD, ResFinder). Proficiency in Python, R, or Perl, with experience in Linux/Unix environments. Solid understanding of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, horizontal gene transfer, and mobile genetic elements. Evidence of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals. Excellent communication and teamwork skills. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in clinical microbiome research, oncology microbiomes, or environmental resistome surveillance. Familiarity with spatial metagenomics, single-cell microbiome analysis, or multi-omics data integration. Knowledge of machine learning approaches for resistome prediction or biomarker discovery is a plus. Why Join Us? Access to cutting-edge technologies (mass spectrometry, next-gen sequencing, high-performance computing). Work on high-impact research addressing one of the urgent challenges in global health—antimicrobial resistance. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of microbiologists, bioinformaticians, clinicians, and data scientists. Opportunity to lead high-profile publications and contribute to international consortia. Career development support, including grant writing, conference funding, and training opportunities. Application Process: Applicants should submit the following in a single PDF file: A Cover Letter explaining their interest and fit for the position A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) Names and contact details of 2–3 references Up to three key publications (optional)

The Chemical and Biochemical Sciences-Green Process Engineering at the University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic Benguerir Morocco seeks Postdoctoral applicants in Proteomics and Drug Development.  Job/Project Description: Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial angiogenesis in tumor growth, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Advances in molecular biology have identified critical biomolecules involved in this process, making anti-angiogenic treatments a promising cancer therapy strategy. Common treatments include monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the VEGF pathway. However, challenges like adverse events, drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and lack of biomarkers limit their effectiveness. Further research into angiogenesis mechanisms, drug development, and combination therapies is needed to enhance therapeutic outcomes. In recent years, a significant research focus has been combining angiogenic and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Compared to monotherapies, this approach has shown improved clinical benefits in hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma patients treated with a combination of PD-1 and VEGFR-2 inhibitors. To address the challenges of anti-angiogenic treatment and explore emerging strategies to enhance its therapeutic benefits, we are focusing on the development of novel anti-angiogenic drugs against specific biomarkers as potential clinical candidates.To meet our objectives, we have collaborated with colleagues from Canadian, USA, and European universities, and we are equipped with OMICS state-of-the-art technologies. Fellowship Competitive international compensation and health insurance Expected activities. Conduct research as part of the project team. Applicant requirements Ph.D. in bioinformatics, proteomics, drug design and development, genomics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields Complete CV Short research statement (summary) Interest in intracellular organelle/cell biology, signal transduction, proteomics, drug design, or related fields Good knowledge of cell biological and molecular biological methods Experience in bioinformatics tools related to proteomics and drug design. Aptitude for teamwork, problem-solving solving, and collaborative relationships Verbal and written skills in English Positive attitude in changing fast-paced environments.

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, 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 to propose new original alternatives in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness, and sustainability. Job Description CBS is seeking a dynamic and qualified individual to fill the position of Professor in Inorganic Chemistry. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in contributing to the advancement of CBS department and UM6P's mission, particularly in terms of research excellence, teaching, and fostering innovation. Research: Conduct high-impact research in the field of inorganic chemistry with a focus on material design and characterization. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address real-world challenges and contribute to the development of novel solutions. Secure external funding for research projects and publish research findings in reputable international journals Teaching: Design and deliver engaging and innovative courses related to inorganic and coordination chemistry at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Foster an interactive and inclusive learning environment that promotes critical thinking and student engagement. Mentor students in research projects and provide academic guidance Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues within the department and across other relevant disciplines to promote interdisciplinary research and initiatives. Engage in external collaborations with industry partners, research institutions, and organizations to enhance the impact of research Candidate Criteria PhD degree in Chemistry, with a specialization in inorganic chemistry or a closely related area, is required. Research Excellence: A strong track record of high-quality research demonstrated through publications in reputable international journals, patents, active participation in research projects, and securing research funding. Teaching Experience: Prior experience in teaching and curriculum development, preferably at the university level. A commitment to innovative teaching methodologies and fostering interactive learning environments. Collaborative Mindset: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and external partners to address complex challenges. Communication Skills: Excellent communication and presentation skills in English. Proficiency in French or Arabic is a plus. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Alignment with UM6P's focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and applied research. Commitment to Diversity: Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in research, teaching, and service. Application and Selection: The application folder must contain: Detailed CV, Cover letter along with a comprehensive presentation of the candidate background, research work, projects, and key activities (publications and achievements) Research and teaching statement, entrepreneurial ideas, and concepts if any, and services to UM6P community: max 3-4 pages, 3 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.