AGBS - Postdoctoral Researcher

AgroBioSciences Department (AgBS)

College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (CAES)

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Position: AGBS - Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbial engineering applied to mineral byproducts

Host institution: 

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 College of Agriculture and Environmental Science (CAES) and AgroBiosciences Program (AgBS) at UM6P:

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Science (CAES) 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 leveraging up to date science and technology. Oriented towards Africa, CAES 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. 

Description

The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) has an opening for post-doctoral fellow in the field of biological engineering and Biotechnology with a strong background in anaerobic/aerobic microbial processes.

The candidate should have solid experience with microbial processes employed in the valorization of mineral processing residues. The candidate should demonstrate a strong background in aerobic and anaerobic bioprocesses for metal recovery from complex mineral matrices. Experience with applied microbiology and bioreactor design (e.g. Aero/ anaerobic systems, batch/ continuous reactors), biostatistical analysis and molecular biology is highly required. 

 Key responsibilities 

The candidate will be expected to:

• Plan and conduct research as part of the research team and contribute in designing, planning and implementing research activities and experiments, data collection and research results analyses and interpretation.

• Generate high-quality research publications, including peer-reviewed articles and conference papers, showcasing excellence in research.

• Develop innovative technologies and methodologies for microbial resources recovery from mineral matrices. 

• Screen for potent microbial strain for the selective bioleaching of valuable metals from mineral matrices. 

• Perform targeted Engineering of microbial strains. 

• Produce technical reports and teaching material for capacity-building courses (if applicable).

• Develop and implement collaborative research with different partners and networks.

• Mentor and collaborate with PhD, master, and undergrad students, providing guidance on research projects.

• Prepare and contribute to writing grant proposal applications.

Education, qualifications and experience: 

• Ph.D. in environmental engineering, environmental biotechnology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, environmental microbiology, environmental science, or a related field.

• Strong background and expertise in Anaerobic/aerobic biotechnology.

• Proven expertise in multi-omics techniques.

• Experience in molecular biology, bioinformatics and biostatistics 

• Experience in empirical research in waste conversion, operating bioreactor systems, knowledge of anaerobic biotechnology and applied microbiology.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with national and international partners.

• Excellent communication skills in English and French, both written and verbal.

• A track record of publication in well ranked journals.

• Established collaborations with renowned international researchers in the field of environmental biotechnology.

• Enthusiasm towards generating new ideas and passion for solving challenging problems that require complex creative solutions.