GSMI - Postdoctoral Position in Exploration of Moroccan Sulfur Resources Sedimentary Realm

Organisation/Company MOHAMMED VI POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY Research Field Environmental science Geosciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Final date to receive applications 11 Mar 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Morocco Type of Contract Other 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

Duration of the position: 2 years (24 months), full-time.

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Job Description

The Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) department at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of Exploration of Moroccan sulfur resources in the sedimentary realm, within the framework of the OCP Sulfur 360° initiative.

The successful candidate will contribute to a national-scale assessment of biogenic sulfur potential in Moroccan sedimentary basins. His work will combine GIS-based data collection and integration, fieldwork, mineralogical and geochemical characterization (gypsum, anhydrite, native sulfur).

Ability to engage professionally with a diverse population of faculty, staff, students, and industrial partners (notably OCP) is required.

Evidence of research excellence is expected. Strong French and English communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

Key Duties

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Contribute to the construction of a national GIS-based database of sulfur occurrences and sulfur-bearing formations in Moroccan sedimentary basins (integration of geological, geophysical, geochemical and industrial data).
• Participate in the definition and refinement of exploration criteria and ranking methodology for native sulfur prospects (geological, mineralogical, geochemical, and structural controls).
• Plan and conduct field campaigns in selected basins (e.g., Neogene basins in the Rif, other prospective sedimentary basins) through sedimentological logging and systematic sampling.
• Coordinate and monitor laboratory analyses (in collaboration with GSMI platforms and external labs):
  Major elements (XRF-WDS);
  Total sulfur (C–S elemental analyzer);
  Minor and trace elements (ICP–MS);
  Sulfur isotopes (EA–IRMS)
• Integrate and interpret multidisciplinary datasets to characterize controls on native sulfur formation, produce prospectivity and risk maps at basin and national scale and contribute to the prioritization of sulfur targets and to the preparation of a ranked list of prospective areas.
• Prepare technical reports and deliverables for the project (including national-scale maps, databases, and synthesis documents) in line with the project Gantt and milestones.
• Publish scientific results in peer‑reviewed journals in a timely manner and contribute to at least one Q1 publication.

Selection Criteria

The position is open to candidates holding a PhD degree in Geology, Earth Sciences, Geochemistry, Sedimentology, Mining/Georesources Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• Demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas:
  • Sedimentary basin analysis and stratigraphy.
  • Evaporite systems (gypsum, anhydrite) and/or diagenetic processes.
  • Economic geology of sulfur or related mineral resources.
  • Geochemical characterization of rocks and minerals (XRF, ICP‑MS, elemental analyzers, isotopes).
• Proven fieldwork experience in sedimentary geology and/or mineral exploration (mapping, logging, sampling, structural and strati graphic observations).
• Ability to perform quantitative data analysis and integration, including QA/QC of analytical datasets and interpretation in a process‑based geological framework.
• Good written and spoken English and French, as well as solid presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with an ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with Moroccan or North African geology is an advantage but not mandatory.

About UM6P

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education…