Scientist in Crop Molecular Biology and Genetics - Laayoune

Position Announcement
Job Title: Scientist in Crop Molecular Biology and Genetics
Area of specialization: Crop improvement
Place: UM6P Laayoune ASARI

About 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 three main research programs.

•  AgriBioTechnology program 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 plant/crop improvement, biosaline agriculture, valorization of local agricultural and marine resources, and animal nutrition and reproduction with a positive impact on the African agriculture.
•  Water treatment and management program which is oriented towards the development of cost-effective desalinization processes for agriculture use and water treatment, management and analysis.
•  Renewable energy program that is aiming to develop new approaches for the production of clean energy to address real local and regional challenges.

Job Summary

ASARI seeks outstanding candidates for Scientist in Crop Molecular Biology and Genetics. The appointed candidate is expected to collaborate with  bioinformaticians, agronomists, and other researchers to participate in a research program aimed at using cutting-edge genomic tools like genome editing and GWAS to develop improved crop traits for breeders. The successful candidate will also be expected to train and supervise students in molecular biology.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Develop and submit research grant-proposals in genetic breeding

• Lead program on genome editing and crop improvement using speed breeding assisted by molecular and genomic tools

• Teach classes on genetic plant breeding and crop improvement

• Prepare and submit technical reports and publications in high ranked journals Expand the collaboration network nationally and internationally. Additional responsibilities include:

• Project management including budget, materials, equipment, and staff

• Organization of workshops and conferences

Responsibilities also involve frequent travelling to different experimental platforms and farmer’s fields at national and international level.

Application Procedure

Applications must be sent using a single electronic zipped folder with the mention of the job title. The folder must contain:

• A detailed CV

• A synthetic presentation of the background, research works, projects and activities, publications, key achievements

• A research and teaching plan, entrepreneurial ideas and concepts, and services for UM6P community: max 3-4 pages *

• 3 references letters

Qualifications and Experience Essential

• Ph.D. in plant molecular biology, plant genetics, plant science, or a closely related field
• Hands-on research experience in standard and advanced molecular biology and genetic procedures in candidate gene identification through association mapping, and transcriptomics; experience in CRISPR genome editing, and ability to interpret and analyse high throughput RNA and DNA sequencing data • Have experience conducting research trials in greenhouse and the field • Have experience in supervision of graduate and undergraduate students and field and lab technicians
• Evidence of ability to work with other researchers in an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary setting, and lead an innovative trait development program
• Demonstrated publication record in well-ranked journals
• Ability to interact and collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and labs across the university
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

Desirable

• Experience conducting research in arid and marginal environment
• Experience with phenotyping will be an added advantage

• Excellent bioinformatics and biostatistical skills