"Assistant Professor in Vertebrate or Macrinvertebrate Paleontology"

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.

Job Requirements

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 paleoenvironmental 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 UM6P 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 UM6P and in other national institutions, as a scientific expert
• Serve as contact point for researchers, amateur palaeontologists, museums, universities and associations, on a national and international level.

Required documents include: Application letter, Curriculum Vitae, Digital copy and summary of the PhD thesis, Statement of research interests and plans, Statement of teaching interests and experience, Description of the most significant scientific achievements, List of publications, 3 reference letters. All documents above should be zipped in a single file.