GSMI - Assistant Professor in Vertebrate​/Macroinvertebrate Paleontology

Overview

Organisation/Company MOHAMMED VI POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 30 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Morocco Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

About UM6P:

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 transdisciplinarity, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions for developing up to date science and at continent level 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 GSMI:

Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) is based on a new strategic vision of research and training, based on the integration of the different components of the mining life cycle (geology, extraction, mineral processing, sustainable mining, mining environment and CSR). In addition to conventional mineral resources (phosphates, metals, etc.), the institute will also develop new topics such as mining economics, water management in the mine, decarbonization of the mining cycle, CSR, etc.

More recently, a paleontology axis has been developed, focused on scientific research and preservation of the fossil heritage of Morocco.

Job Description:

The Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for the position of Assistant professor in vertebrate or macroinvertebrate paleontology.

The Moroccan palaeontological heritage is extremely abundant and diversified. Over 800 million years of sedimentation have yielded one of the most complete and fossil-rich sequences on Earth, from evidences of bacterial life in the Anti-Atlas to the rise of the first modern humans in the Jebel Irhoud. UM6P is keen to excel in scientific research that meets the country's needs and makes the best possible use of its natural resources within a framework of sustainable development.

In keeping with its ambition to rank among the world's leading universities in fields such as social responsibility and sustainable development, the university has decided to create a Research Center dedicated to Palaeontology, designed for preserving and improving this paleontological heritage and promoting it through exhibitions and scientific research. The Assistant professor in Palaeontology will be part of this growing team, carrying out high-level scientific research in palaeontology, contributing to the management of the fossil collections and teaching at the university.

Research

Skills:

• Conduct innovative, multidisciplinary research programs on the evolutionary history of organisms and ancient environments;
• Solid background and publication record in palaeontology, preferably in one of the following topics: non vertebrate metazoan macrofossils (i.e., macroinvertebrates), Mesozoic and Cenozoic chondrichthyans (other fields related to palaeontology, especially palaeontology of Morocco, will also be carefully considered);
• Proficiency in techniques for the preparation, study, and conservation of fossils;
• Ability to organize paleontological fieldwork, including prospection and excavation;
• Lead major field expeditions for collecting new fossils and prospecting for new sites;
• Proficiency in paleontological and paleo environmental concepts to integrate with other research teams;
• Knowledge or experience in 3D technologies (surface scan, microtomography) will be appreciated.

Collection Management:

• Manage and develop the paleontological collections of the UM6P, meeting international standards;
• Participate in the inventory and the creation of a digital database;
• Experience in conservation and scientific management of scientific collections will be appreciated;

Teaching and Dissemination:

• Teach palaeontology at UMP6 doctoral schools, bachelor’s, and master’s courses.
• Develop innovative modules based on collections and multidisciplinary research.
• Supervise MSc and PhD students to develop a pool of high-level palaeontologists.
• Support the development of Paleontological exhibitions at the UMP6 and in other national institutions, as a scientific expert
• Serve as contact point for researchers,…