About 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.
About Entity (ASARI):
The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It is located in Laayoune City and constitutes a structure of practical-based research with a vision of solving real Local, Regional, and African agriculture challenges leveraging up-to-date science and technology.
Oriented towards Africa, ASARI 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. The institute consists of a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, biochemists, molecular biologists, bioprocess specialists, animal scientist, etc to respond to regional challenges affecting marginal environments.
ASARI is composed of five main research programs:
Agriculture in Marginal lands: leverages up-to-date technologies in the service of the Southern Moroccan and Sub-Saharan agriculture challenges. Its ambition is to conduct relevant and cutting-edge research on biosaline agriculture, plant/crop improvement, genetics, etc….
Animal Value Chain: Focuses on camel and goats and aims to tackle several challenges related to animal selection, reproduction, and health as well as the valorization of animal products.
Biorefinery and Bioenergy: Combines cutting-edge research approaches with local know-how using the circular economy concept to create value from local bioresources and have a positive impact on the local communities.
Algal Biotechnology: focuses on market-oriented research adapted to national and African challenges. It is a driving force for the entire algae sector in Morocco and Africa including micro and macroalgae as it is providing cutting-edge infrastructure for both cultivation and conversion at the Lab and the pre-industrial scale. It targets a wide range of applications such as agriculture, environment, food, feed, cosmetic, pharmaceutic, biomaterial, and energy, etc... It aims to be recognized as the main crossroad for meetings and exchange between all the stakeholders of the sector through the establishment and mutualization of pre-industrial pilot-scale infrastructure.
Water & Energy Sustainability: is oriented towards the development of cost-effective solutions for water desalinization and wastewater treatment for applications in agriculture as well as domestic and industrial use. The program focuses on the efficient use of solar, wind and marine energy and the development of new approaches for the production of green energy to address real local and regional challenges.
About Research Center on Algal Biotechnology (RCAB) – UM6P Laayoune:
The Research Center on Algal Biotechnology (RCAB) is a new component of the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P). It is located in Laayoune City and constitutes a structure of practical-based research with a vision of offering versatile infrastructure for cultivation and conversion of algae based on merging biotechnology, environmental science, and sustainability. Driven by innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the center aims to bridge research and practical applications for the development of a large spectrum of applications in agriculture, cosmetical, pharmaceuticals, feed and food industry, bioremediation, climate change mitigation, and renewable energy production.
Description of the position:
- Develop and implement the mission and the vision of the research center,
- Lead and conduct cutting-edge research activities that contribute to the sustainable use of algae in various applications,
- Design curricula to meet the industry demands in algal biotechnology (microalgae, cyanobacteria, and seaweeds).
- Develop undergraduate and graduate-level courses in algal biotechnology (algal cultivation and bioprocessing),
- Mentor junior faculty members and supervise postdocs, PhD and MSc students, research engineers, and technicians.
- Establish collaborations with industrial partners, governmental agencies, and research institutions,
- Engage in departmental and institutional committees,
- Participate in outreach activities, such as seminars, workshops, forums, and conferences.
Education
Ph.D. degree in biotechnology, physiology, biochemistry, environmental science, or related field with a specialization in algal biotechnology
Requirement
- At least 10 years of professional experience and recognized expertise in algal biotechnology, and seaweed & microalgae cultivation,
- Good experience in managing research teams and research entities,
- Strong leadership abilities and project management from concept to commercialization,
- A robust and comprehensive grasp of the fundamental principles and pivotal inquiries in algal biotechnology within the context of bioeconomy,
- In-depth expertise in algal physiology, algal biology, biochemistry, and metabolic engineering of algae.
- Demonstrated expertise and a strong publication record in algal biotechnology or related fields.
- Experience in securing research funding through grants, contracts, or collaborations,
- Demonstrated collaboration with peers at national and international levels,
- Thorough understanding of the Moroccan and the African institutional and industrial ecosystem is a plus
- Practical involvement in entrepreneurship and startup development,
- Excellent communication skills, leadership abilities, and a collaborative mindset.
