Postdoctoral Researcher in Sulfur Exploration and Sedimentary Geology

Position Overview

The Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a 2-year full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on the exploration of Moroccan sulfur resources in the sedimentary realm, as part of the OCP Sulfur 360° initiative.

Duration: 24 months, full-time
Location: Benguerir, Morocco
Start Date: As soon as possible

Role Description

The successful candidate will conduct a national-scale assessment of biogenic sulfur potential in Moroccan sedimentary basins. The work will integrate GIS-based data collection, extensive fieldwork, and mineralogical and geochemical characterization of sulfur-bearing minerals (gypsum, anhydrite, native sulfur). The researcher will collaborate with faculty, students, and industrial partners, notably OCP.

Key Responsibilities

• Build a national GIS-based database of sulfur occurrences and sulfur-bearing formations in Moroccan sedimentary basins
• Define and refine exploration criteria and ranking methodology for native sulfur prospects
• Plan and conduct field campaigns in selected basins, including sedimentological logging and systematic sampling
• Coordinate laboratory analyses (XRF-WDS, C-S elemental analyzer, ICP-MS, EA-IRMS) with GSMI platforms and external labs
• Integrate multidisciplinary datasets to produce prospectivity and risk maps at basin and national scale
• Prepare technical reports, maps, databases, and synthesis documents aligned with project milestones
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to at least one Q1 publication

Required Qualifications

Education: PhD in Geology, Earth Sciences, Geochemistry, Sedimentology, Mining/Georesources Engineering, or related discipline

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated expertise in at least two areas: sedimentary basin analysis, evaporite systems, or economic geology of sulfur resources
• Geochemical characterization experience (XRF, ICP-MS, elemental analyzers, isotopes)
• Strong proficiency with GIS tools (ArcGIS, QGIS) and management of large geoscientific datasets
• Proven fieldwork experience in sedimentary geology and/or mineral exploration
• Quantitative data analysis skills, including QA/QC of analytical datasets
• Excellent written and spoken English and French, with strong presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, able to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams

Preferred: Familiarity with Moroccan or North African geology

About UM6P and GSMI

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally recognized institution located in Benguerir, Morocco, dedicated to research and innovation serving Morocco and Africa. The university offers competitive international salaries, ample research funding, moderate teaching loads, and excellent facilities.

The Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) focuses on fundamental and applied research in geology, mineral resources, and sustainable mining, supporting responsible resource exploitation in Morocco and Africa through cutting-edge science in sedimentology, economic geology, geochemistry, and data modeling.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae including list of publications
• Cover letter (maximum 1 page) explaining motivation and fit for the project
• Contact information of 3 references

Applications must be submitted through the UM6P recruitment platform.