GSMI - Professor in Geotechnics and Geomechanics

About 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, UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions for developing up to date science 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. 

Areas of research and Expertise:

The Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) is seeking an Assistant professor of Geomechanics. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in: 

• Rock mechanics, ground control, and geotechnical engineering in mining.

• In-situ geotechnical characterization and risk assessment.

Job Description:

The Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University invites applications for a full-time, permanent position in Geomechanics.

We are looking for candidates with a strong research focus on the design of underground and open-pit mining operations and geomechanics.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Conducting research and development in geomechanics, focusing on rock mechanics, slope stability, and ground control.

• Developing and implementing numerical models to predict and analyze the mechanical behavior of rock masses in mining environments.

• Exploring innovative solutions for ground control techniques to enhance safety and efficiency in mining operations.

• Studying the behavior of rock masses under extreme conditions, such as high-stress environments, deep mining, and weak rock formations.

• Conducting experimental research to better understand rock behavior, including field-based investigations at real mining sites.

• Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into geotechnical risk management and sustainable mining practices.

• Recruiting and supervising graduate students and research assistants in mining and geomechanics projects.

• Designing and performing laboratory and field experiments to assess rock properties and behavior under various mining conditions.

• Building research projects related to geomechanics and applying for funding opportunities to support research activities.

• Securing research funding through grant applications and industry partnerships.

• Publishing research findings in high-impact journals and presenting results at industry conferences and academic seminars.

• Fostering collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and external partners.

• Translating research insights into actionable solutions in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

• Teaching courses related to geomechanics and rock stability.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in mineral engineering, geological engineering or a closely related field.

  • Proven track record of securing research funding

  • Experience in supervising graduate students and leading research teams.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • An engineering degree in mining engineering is a plus.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter detailing their research interests and relevant experience.

• A curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications if they exist.

• Contact information for two professional references.

• Statement of research and teaching.

 Other documents that the candidate considers important for the recruitment process.

Applications should be submitted electronically with all documents attached in a single file or zipped in a single folder with the mention ‘Geomechanics’ in the subject.