Research assistant in Formulation - Laayoune

 Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Position Announcement

Job Title: Research assistant in Formulation (6-month renewable contract)
Job description

The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Laayoune City is seeking a skilled and motivated Engineer in Formulation. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing formulations for various products, with a focus on [e.g., pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agrochemicals]. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and development projects, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality formulations that meet project objectives and regulatory requirements.
Key duties

Responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Conduct analysis of urine and deroua composition, assisting in physicochemical, biochemical, and microbiological assessments under the guidance of senior researchers.
• Support extraction techniques to isolate bioactive compounds from urine and deroua, following established protocols and assisting in optimization experiments.
• Assist in evaluating pharmaceutical and anti-aging activities of urine, deroua, and isolated compounds, conducting assays and data collection under supervision.
• Contribute to the formulation of cosmetic products, aiding in formulation development and characterization studies.
• Support technology transfer and dissemination efforts, assisting in documentation and organization of research outcomes and collaborating with stakeholders.
• Participate in interdisciplinary discussions, providing input and assisting in data analysis under the guidance of senior researchers.
• Assist in documentation and reporting of research findings through publications, presentations, and reports, and support in statistical data analysis.
• Engage with local communities and cooperatives, aiding in conducting surveys and data collection, and assisting in assessing socio-economic impacts.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assist in applying statistical methods to analyze complex datasets and perform data visualization under the guidance of senior researchers.
• Support molecular biology techniques and cellular assays, aiding in sample preparation and data collection.
• Assist in the design and execution of sensory evaluation studies and market analysis, providing support in data collection and analysis.
• Support mentorship activities for undergraduate students and research assistants, providing guidance on laboratory techniques and experimental procedures.
• Assist in fostering collaborations with industry partners and regulatory agencies, providing support in project coordination and communication.
• Contribute to grant writing and research proposal development, assisting in literature reviews and data analysis.
• Support the representation of the research project at scientific conferences, helping in poster presentations and discussions. 

Criteria of the candidate:

• Master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutics, or a related field.
• Previous experience in formulation development, preferably in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics product.
• Strong understanding of formulation principles, materials science, and experimental design.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques such as mixing, blending, and characterization of formulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and concisely.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards applicable to formulation research and development.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience with formulation software, statistical analysis tools, and/or quality management systems is desirable.