Description of the position: Two Postdoctoral position with fellowship is available at the University Mohamed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Morocco. Postdocs will be working at the African Genome Center (AGC) of UM6P in Ben Guerir campus in collaboration with ASARI in Laayoune and UQTR in Canada. The group combines innovative approaches in molecular biology to understand plant-microbe interactions for climate resilient agriculture.
Project 1: Understanding Saffron biology using functional genomics approaches. Planting saffron corms requires careful consideration of several factors in order to optimize both flower and corm production. Choosing the ideal location for saffron cultivation is crucial. Saffron genome is an intricate network that involves the transcriptome, and other regulatory components. Regarding growth, development, disease response, stigma quality, apocarotenoid production, and other processes, it needs to adapt to the environmental changes that take place in and around saffron. This study includes the assessment of several agronomical and growth practices for their potentiality, as well as the evaluation of synergistic and antagonistic interactions with microbiome in arid and semi-arid conditions for sustainable and climate resilient agriculture.
Candidate profile: This position requires a Ph.D. in the field of agriculture, plant biology, Molecular biology, genetic engineering, or a related field. A good understanding on experimental designs, field sampling and plant growth practices is required. Also, DNA/RNA extractions, PCR and library preparations will be an asset. The incumbent will be engaged in dealing with sampling and cultivation of saffron in the southern part of Morocco, also the isolation and selection of microbial strains adapted to the arid conditions. Background and experience in working with data analysis, meta-analysis, R languages will be an asset. We also expect a demonstrated ability to plan, conduct and interpret research results through publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Proven supervisory skills, and Positive attitude in changing environments.
Project 2: Decoding Alkaloid Genomics in Amaryllidaceae Using Multiomic Integration and Machine Learning: This research explores the genetic and regulatory mechanisms underlying alkaloid biosynthesis in the Amaryllidaceae family by integrating metabolomics, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and machine learning (ML) technologies. The study aims to identify biosynthetic pathway genes, explore genetic diversity across species, and leverage ML models to predict functional gene roles and regulatory networks. The findings will enhance our understanding of alkaloid production and its evolutionary dynamics, with applications in drug discovery and agricultural biotechnology. This project is in collaboration with the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, QC, Canada.
Candidate profile: The ideal candidate should hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess hands-on experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis, including assembly, annotation, and interpretation. Proficiency in bioinformatics tools, programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Perl), and Unix/Linux systems is essential. Familiarity with machine learning applications in biological data, specialized metabolism, or comparative genomics is highly desirable. This role offers an opportunity to apply cutting-edge technologies to address complex biological challenges.
Our offer: We are offering an excellent working condition in a highly interdisciplinary and international research environment with state of art research facilities. Postdocs will be benefited with a highly competitive full-time fellowship with social benefits. Furthermore, we offer opportunities regarding work-life balance as well as health promotion service. The ASARI and AGC at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a cohesive scientific community and provide infrastructure to enable cutting edge agricultural and genomic approaches to address problems in food security, agriculture, conservation, restoration of mines and human health in Morocco and Africa.
Level of employment: Full-time for two years.
Application deadline: December 30th, 2024
Start date: As soon as qualified candidates are available.
How to apply: Interested candidates should submit (i) a letter of motivation mentioning the project applying, (ii) brief description of research experiences, (iii) a recent CV and (iv) contact details of two references in a single PDF file.
For more information, please contact Prof. Bulbul Ahmed, [اضغط هنا لمشاهدة البريد اﻹلكتروني]