COLCOM - Postdoctoral Fellow in Omics and Soil Microbiome Research

Starting Date: May–July 2025

The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a Postdoctoral fellow position to join an interdisciplinary research project focused on metaproteomic analysis of soil microbial communities. This project aims to identify key genes and enzymes involved in mitigating salinity stress and improving soil health and crop productivity.

These positions are part of a broader initiative to develop biofertilizers and sustainable agricultural strategies to combat soil degradation and salinization. Research will involve state-of-the-art metaproteomics, bioinformatics, and functional microbiome studies conducted in field trials, greenhouse experiments, and laboratory settings.

This role will focus on the interactions between rhizosphere microbiota and plant roots, investigating how microbial enzymes enhance plant stress tolerance under salinity conditions. The successful candidate will:

• Conduct metaproteomic and genomic sequencing of microbial communities associated with plant roots.
• Identify microbial enzymes and functional pathways involved in nutrient acquisition and stress adaptation.
• Analyze plant-microbe interactions in response to salinity stress.
• Collaborate on biofertilizer development incorporating beneficial microbial enzymes.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Soil Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Expertise in microbiome data analysis, metagenomics, or metaproteomics.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics tools for multi-omics data processing 
• Strong publication record in relevant fields.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and collaborate across research groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in functional characterization of microbial enzymes.
• Familiarity with microbial ecology and soil biochemistry in stress adaptation.
• Background in field and greenhouse experimental design.

Application Process:

Applicants should submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter detailing research interests and relevant experience.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a full list of publications.
3. Contact information for three references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of March 31, 2025.

For inquiries, please contact [email protected]