Postdoctoral Fellow Omics Soil Microbiome Research Morocco 2 Years القنيطرة للعمل في وظائف

Position Overview

The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join a cutting-edge research initiative focused on Omics and Soil Microbiome Research. This is a 2-year postdoctoral position based in Morocco, offering an exceptional opportunity for early-career scientists to contribute to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of genomics, metagenomics, soil science, and microbial ecology.

Research Focus

• Apply omics technologies — including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics — to investigate soil microbiome dynamics
• Design and execute experimental workflows for soil sample collection, processing, and multi-omics data generation
• Conduct bioinformatics analysis and computational modeling of complex microbial community datasets
• Investigate the role of soil microorganisms in ecosystem functioning, plant-microbe interactions, and sustainable agriculture
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across environmental science, agronomy, and data science

Key Responsibilities

• Lead independent and collaborative research projects aligned with the university's strategic priorities in soil health and food security
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present at international conferences
• Develop and optimize laboratory protocols for DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing library preparation, and downstream analysis
• Mentor graduate students and contribute to capacity building within the research group
• Prepare grant proposals and research reports to support ongoing and future projects
• Engage with stakeholder communities, including agricultural and environmental partners in Morocco and the broader MENA region

Qualifications & Requirements

Hard Skills:

• PhD in Microbiology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Environmental Science, Soil Science, or a closely related field
• Hands-on experience with high-throughput sequencing platforms (Illumina, Nanopore, or PacBio)
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and programming languages such as Python, R, or Linux-based command-line environments
• Familiarity with metagenomic analysis pipelines (e.g., QIIME2, MEGAN, MetaPhlAn, HUMAnN)
• Strong background in statistical analysis of large-scale biological datasets
• Experience with soil biogeochemistry and microbial ecology methods

Soft Skills:

• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English (French or Arabic is an asset)
• Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research environment
• Strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability to evolving research questions
• Demonstrated capacity for project management and meeting publication timelines

Why This Role

This postdoctoral fellowship at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) places you at one of Africa's most innovative research institutions, renowned for its commitment to applied scientific research and sustainable development. You will work in state-of-the-art facilities with access to advanced omics infrastructure, join a vibrant international research community, and contribute directly to addressing critical challenges in soil health, food security, and environmental sustainability in Morocco and beyond. This is a unique career-building opportunity for a driven researcher passionate about unlocking the potential of the soil microbiome through omics-driven science.