Research Assistant - Benguerir

Job Title: Research Assistant (several positions)

The Sustainable research center (SUSMAT-RC) is seeking applications for a fixed-term contract of 6 months, as a research assistant in the field of chemistry, biotechnology or materials science. Candidates should hold a master’s degree or equivalent (Bac +5) in the field of materials science, chemistry, biochemistry, or physical chemistry, with a first-hand experience in lab work. The successful candidate will conduct mainly a scientific literature search, run laboratory experiences and assist in general laboratory management and logistics.

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Perform a systematic literature review: familiar with search engines, searching and compiling all the literature, and writing synthetic reports.
• Perform analysis and interpret data/results.
• Assist in organizing and launching research activities.
• Contribute to general laboratory management and logistics.
• Develop, validate, and document analytical methods and operating procedures.
• Contribute to group meetings and the drafting of manuscripts.

Application folder must contain:

• Cover letter.
• Detailed CV.
• Transcripts of academic records.
• Contact information of three referees.

Located at the heart of the Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, was established to serve Morocco and the African continent and to advance applied research and innovation. This unique university, with state-of-the-art infrastructure, has woven an extensive academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking outstanding academics and professionals to promote Morocco and Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

While OCP group, a world leader in fertilizer production, is a privileged client for the University, a growing portfolio of clients is driving the development of a rich R&D ecosystem around the university. UM6P enjoys ample research funding, moderate teaching load, and excellent facilities. The university promotes multidisciplinary R&D, entrepreneurship and collaboration with external institutions and clients with the aim of advancing the Moroccan and African economies.  Furthermore, UM6P o?ers highly competitive incentives to its current and future talented research staff.

The Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat - RC) is a multidisciplinary research center engaged in the development of advanced biobased products and materials thereof using biotechnological, physical and chemical conversion strategies and engineering processes (b) understanding and controlling their underlying specific functionalities and the structure-properties relationship acting over multiple length scales from the molecular, nano to the macro level and their cross-interactions and (c) utilizing the gathered knowledge and the invented materials to address key technological challenges in Morocco and African continent and assist the transition toward a green and circular economy.

The ideal candidate should be strongly self-motivated, keen to innovate, can work well in an interdisciplinary research environment, and with rigorous work ethics. He/she should be able to deliver outputs (group meetings, experimental protocols and presentations) in the targeted timeframes. The skill set sought in an ideal applicant includes:

• Master degree with background and training in one, but not limited to, of the scientific fields: organic chemistry, agrochemistry, biotechnology, and materials science.
• Have a first-hand experience in lab work.
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills in both English and French.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
• Good organizational skills.