Assistant Professor in Vertebrate / Macroinvertebrate Paleontology

About the role

The Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is creating a Research Center for Palaeontology to preserve and promote Morocco's rich fossil heritage through exhibitions and scientific research. The Assistant Professor in Palaeontology will join this team, carrying out high-level research, helping manage the fossil collections and teaching at the university.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct innovative, multidisciplinary research on the evolutionary history of organisms and ancient environments, and contribute to the management of fossil collections.
• Organize and lead major field expeditions for fossil collection and site prospecting.
• Teach palaeontology at doctoral, bachelor's and master's levels, design collection-based modules and supervise MSc and PhD students.
• Support the development of palaeontological exhibitions at UM6P and other national institutions as a scientific expert.
• Act as a contact point for researchers, amateur palaeontologists, museums, universities and associations, nationally and internationally.
• Manage and develop the university's palaeontological collections to international standards, help build a digital database and support conservation and scientific management of collections.

Required profile

• Solid background and publication record in palaeontology, preferably in non-vertebrate metazoan macrofossils (macroinvertebrates) or Mesozoic and Cenozoic chondrichthyans; other fields related to palaeontology, especially palaeontology of Morocco, will also be considered.
• Proficiency in fossil preparation, study and conservation techniques.
• Ability to organize paleontological fieldwork and lead field expeditions.
• Knowledge of paleontological and paleoenvironmental concepts to work with other research teams.
• Experience in managing scientific collections and supervising graduate students is appreciated.

Required skills

• Palaeontology research and fieldwork.
• Fossil preparation, study and conservation.
• Knowledge or experience of 3D technologies (surface scanning, microtomography) is appreciated.

To apply, submit an application letter, CV, a digital copy and summary of the PhD thesis, statements of research and teaching interests, a description of key scientific achievements, a list of publications and three reference letters, all zipped into a single file.