ASARI - Professor in Agrifood Valorization

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.

In its research approach, the UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions for developing up to date science and at continent level in order to address real challenges.

All our programs run as start-ups and can be self-organized when they reach a critical mass. Thus, academic liberty is promoted as far as funding is developed by research teams.

The research programs are integrated from long-term research to short-term applications in linkage with incubation and start-up ecosystems.

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 is seeking a professor in Agrifood Valorization to join our research program on biomass valorization and participate in the development of different projects dealing with biorefinery and biomass valorization. The candidate must be comfortable to partner cross-functionally to invent, influence, and deliver top and bottom-line innovations. Keeping the consumer at the heart of her/his work, she/he will collaborate with Brand Marketers, R&D peers, Engineering, Insights & Analytics, as well as Commercial and Category Strategy partners to deliver on business objectives, activate programs that drive competitive advantage, and create consumer relevant product design. The ASARI-Biomass valorization program's success will be shaped by the selected candidate.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preparation for activities in agrifood technology
• Assistance in the teaching activities as a team member of biomass valorization program at UM6P-ASARI, to support courses related to:
• Food technology (for farmers)
• Biorefinery
• Technology Instrumental process and product control
• Assistance in the internal and external services of the department.
• Research proposal writing for external funding
• Strong expertise and international network in Agrifood science
• Supervision of Master-students, PhDs and Post-docs
• Report writing for research project
• Manuscript writing and publication in referee journal

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• PhD in Agrifood science or related field from a recognized University
• At least 15 years’ experience in the field of Agrifood science
• High publication record in leading international and well ranked journals
• Strong experience in supervising of Master, PhD students, and Post-docs
• Excellent English and French verbal and written skills
• Supervisory experience

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 UM6P.