AGBS - Postdoctoral Researcher in Phytochemistry and Natural Resources Valorization

About UM6P:

Located 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 unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high quality academics and professionals in order to boost its quality-oriented research environment.

OCP group (http://www.ocpgroup.ma/en/home), a world leader in fertilizer production plays a great role as a starter client for the University. A new portfolio of client is growing in an open spirit, in parallel with the development of an R&D cluster around the university.

UM6P is a very ambitious university, enjoying ample research funding, moderate teaching load, and excellent facilities.

In its research approach, the UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions, both international ones for developing up to date science, and at continent level to address real African challenges.

All our programs run as start-ups and can be self-organized when they reach 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.

UM6P offers highly competitive salaries at the international level. Our researchers get incentives through a participation to the intellectual property they develop.

About AgBS:

The AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program is a component of the college of sustainable agriculture and environmental sciences (SAES) 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 leveraging up to date science and technology.

Oriented towards Africa, AgBS acts in connection with a wide network of universities and research centers around the continent in order to link real field issues with up to date science.

Job description:

The AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is inviting applications for 2 Postdoctoral Research positions in the field of Phytochemistry/Natural Resources Valorization. The successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary team to work on projects focused on the phytochemistry, metabolomics, and biological activities of natural resources, including plants, marine plants, algae, seagrass, as well as agricultural and industrial wastes. The goal is to develop applications in agriculture, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and related fields.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on phytochemistry, metabolomics, and biological activities of natural resources, including plants, marine plants, algae, seagrass, and agricultural and industrial wastes. 
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques, such as chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and NMR, for the analysis of natural products and metabolites.
• Design and execute experiments to investigate the chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and potential applications of natural resources.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences and seminars.
• Mentor and supervise graduate students.
• Contribute to grant writing and project management activities as necessary.

Criteria of the candidate:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacognosy, marine natural products, or related field.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques, including chromatography, NMR, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy.
• Proficiency in enzymatic assays, in vivo experiments, and assessment of biological activities.
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Application and Selection:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (CV) 
• Cover letter outlining research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
• Contact information for three professional references.

The selected candidates will be invited for interview.