CBS - Postdoctoral position in organic synthesis of bioactive molecules

About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

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 internal and external institutions for developing up to date scientific research 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 the Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering (CBS)

The Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Green Process Engineering Department (CBS) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The main objective of CBS is to set up a distinctive research-teaching program, of international level, to meet the research and teaching challenges of UM6P, in particular on green and environmental chemistry applied to all aspects of chemical sciences: organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical biology, biochemical and thermal reactions.

Research at CBS is organized around several major areas, which aim to answer challenging industrial questions, from complex chemical and biochemical reactions to scale-up and validation of process engineering. CBS projects aim at an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of all transformations in order to propose new original alternatives in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness and sustainability.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team for a research project focused on the organic synthesis of bioactive molecules. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers to design, synthesize, and characterize new bioactive molecules, with a particular focus on those incorporating nucleoside scaffolds coupled with heterocyclic cores. The synthesis of these molecules will employ green synthesis methodologies, aiming to create novel N- and C-nucleosides using techniques such as multicomponent reactions, atom and step economy, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, as well as the utilization of non-conventional activation methods (microwaves and ultrasound). These molecules will be evaluated in-silico before being tested on living organisms (in-vitro and in-vivo) for therapeutic development.

Responsibilities:

• Design and plan the synthesis of novel bioactive molecules using advanced organic chemistry techniques, with a focus on nucleoside-heterocycle hybrids.
• Perform organic synthesis reactions and purify the obtained compounds using chromatographic techniques.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy.
• Collaborate closely with other team members to assess the biological activity of synthesized compounds, especially their potential pharmacological applications, and optimize their therapeutic potential.
• Employ advanced techniques for green chemistry such as multicomponent reactions, atom and step economy, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, as well as non-conventional activation methods (microwaves and ultrasound).
• Accurately document experimental results and write scientific reports and publications.

Candidate Criteria 

• A Ph.D. in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a related field, accompanied by a distinguished record of research accomplishments.
• Demonstrated expertise in organic synthesis, including retrosynthetic planning and execution of complex reactions, particularly in the context of nucleoside chemistry and heterocyclic coupling.
• Strong experience in characterizing synthetic products using analytical techniques such as NMR, mass spectrometry, and chromatography.
• Proven excellence in teaching and mentorship, evidenced by innovative pedagogical approaches and contributions to student development.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovation.
• Alignment with UM6P's mission of promoting sustainable economic development through research and innovation.

Application and Selection:

The application folder must contain:

• Detailed CV,
• Cover letter along with a synthetic presentation of the background, research works, projects and activities, publications, key achievements, 
• Research and teaching plans, entrepreneurial ideas and concepts if any, and services to UM6P community: max 3-4 pages, 
• 3 reference letters.