CEDoc - UM6P - Faculty of Medical Sciences-UM6P Hospitals: 4 (14250)

Ph.D. Scholarships Opportunities for health professionals in clinical and translational research

Academic Year 2025/2026

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco's frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

Context

Are you ready to embark on an exciting research journey? We invite you to join our Research and clinical Teams at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, UM6P Hospitals – Mohamed VI Polytechnic University. If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in clinical and transactional research, we are looking for highly motivated and talented candidates to join our research teams.

Admission Criteria

We are seeking outstanding medical doctors and pharmacists, as well as nurses holding a Master's degree or equivalent diploma, who meet the following requirements:

• Proficiency in at least one of the following fields: clinical research, translational medicine, public health, pharmacology, infectious diseases, oncology, or any related clinical or biomedical discipline.
• Proactive, dynamic, curious, and creative mindset.
• The ability to work closely with clinicians is a plus.
• Demonstrated autonomy and exceptional organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities in English.

PhD Project Subjects:

Theme: Health professionals

Subject 1: AI-Based Risk Prediction Model for Early Identification of Postpartum Depression Using Clinical and Psychosocial Data.

Subject 2: Clinical nutrition and preventive strategies for age-related sarcopenic obesity.

Subject 3: Exploring Intratumoral BCG Therapy as a Dual-Action Strategy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Combining Immunomodulation and Metabolic Targeting.

Subject 4: Endometriosis Biomarkers in Moroccan and African Women.

Subject 5: Development of Resorbable Biomaterials for Enhanced Prosthesis Fixation.

Subject 6 – Physiotherapy: Robot-Assisted Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Comparative Study of the Effects of Instrumented Treadmill and Robotic Exoskeleton on Functional Recovery.

Subject 7 – Nurses: Patient Safety and Prevention of Adverse Events Related to Nursing Practices: Implementation of a Participatory Action-Training Program in Hospital Settings.

Other subjects: Applicants with research interests beyond the proposed topics are welcome to apply by submitting a research proposal relevant to clinical and translational sciences.

Abstracts

Subject 1: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common but often underdiagnosed mental health condition affecting new mothers, with significant implications for maternal and infant well-being. Early identification of at-risk individuals remains a clinical challenge. This research proposes the development of a machine learning model to predict the risk of postpartum depression using routinely collected antenatal and postnatal clinical, demographic, and psychosocial data. Data sources may include electronic health records, self-reported mental health history, social support levels, sleep patterns, and screening scores such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The model will be trained and validated on anonymized datasets to assess accuracy, sensitivity, and usability in clinical practice. By providing an objective, data-driven tool for early risk stratification, this research aims to support timely interventions and reduce the burden of untreated postpartum depression. The project emphasizes ethical data handling, explainability of AI predictions, and integration into routine maternal care.

Keywords: Postpartum Depression Machine Learning; Risk Prediction; Maternal Mental Health; AI

Subject 2: Sarcopenic obesity is an emerging condition that affects 14% of older adults. It is defined as the coexistence of excess adiposity and low muscle mass or strength, and is associated with increased risks of frailty, metabolic disorders, falls, and prolonged hospitalization. Despite its clinical impact, it remains underdiagnosed due to the lack of specific screening tools. The aim of this project is to design and validate a clinical screening score for sarcopenic obesity, integrating anthropometric measures, physical performance tests, and routine biomarkers such as CRP, albumin, creatinine, and glucose-triglycerides index. The model will be constructed using logistic regression based on a prospective multicenter cohort and compared to standard diagnostic criteria (DEXA or BIA). This research aims to promote early screening for sarcopenic obesity. This new score will help clinicians identify at-risk older adults and provide timely care that can improve their overall prognosis and quality of life.

Keywords: Sarcopenic Obesity; Clinical Screening; Geriatric Nutrition; Biomarkers; Tyg Inde

Subject 3: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive subtype of breast cancer, which results in limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Although chemotherapy remains the primary treatment, its efficacy is often compromised by drug resistance and systemic toxicity. This subject explores the innovative potential of intratumoral Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy as a dual-action approach—aimed at converting immunologically "cold" TNBC tumors into "hot" ones while simultaneously targeting metabolic vulnerabilities. A multidisciplinary strategy is proposed, integrating 3D-printed tumor models, AI-based simulations, and multi-omics analyses to evaluate and optimize this therapeutic approach. This subject highlights a novel pathway toward enhancing TNBC treatment via immunometabolism reprogramming.

Keywords: TNBC; BCG Therapy; Immunotherapy; Chemoresistance; TME; Cold to Hot Tumor Conversion; Metabolic Vulnerabilities; 3D Printing Models; AI Modeling; Omics Integration; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Cancer Immunology

Subject 4: We invite motivated candidates to join a multidisciplinary research initiative investigating endometriosis in Moroccan and African women. This project will focus on identifying non-invasive biomarkers in biological fluids such as blood, urine and saliva to understand disease mechanisms, progression and evaluating treatment responses across diverse populations. Endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting 10% of women globally, remains poorly characterized in Africa, where diagnostic delays limited healthcare access. The candidate will employ cutting-edge proteomics and metabolomics technologies and computational analysis to analyze biospecimens from well-characterized cohorts across Morocco and Africa. Clinical data will be combined with molecular profiling to map disease evolution, identify predictive biomarkers for early diagnosis and classify subtypes with differential therapeutic responses. Mechanistic studies will explore inflammatory, hormonal, and genetic pathways driving endometriosis in these populations, particularly resistance to hormonal therapies or surgical interventions. The project emphasizes collaboration with local hospitals, research institutions, and advocacy groups to ensure ethical recruitment, community engagement, and translational impact. Ideal candidates will hold a master's degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related fields, with experience in omics data analysis, biomarker research, or translational medicine. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative research with direct clinical and societal relevance while working within an international, cross-disciplinary network.

Keywords: Endometriosis; Biomarkers; In Moroccan and African Women

Subject 5: This project aims to develop and evaluate new resorbable biomaterials as an alternative to traditional PMMA for prosthesis fixation, addressing limitations such as poor osseointegration, fatigue-induced fracturing, and challenges with removal during revisions. This project will involve synthesis, structural and physicochemical characterization, and biological evaluation of the developed materials. In addition, the particular emphasis will be placed on in vivo animal experiments for pre-clinical assessment.

Keywords: Biomaterials; Polymers; Or Drug Delivery; PMMA

Subject 6: Physiotherapy Stroke is a major cause of motor disability worldwide. Functional recovery after stroke is a central issue in public health. In recent years, several innovative technologies — such as instrumented treadmills and robotic exoskeletons — have been introduced into rehabilitation protocols, showing promising results. However, their comparative effectiveness remains insufficiently documented. There is an urgent need to evaluate their relative efficacy, their integration into care pathways, and their acceptability to patients.

Keywords: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation; Robotic Physiotherapy; Instrumented Treadmill; Exoskeleton; Health Technologies; Neuroplasticity; Motor Rehabilitation.

Subject 7 – Nurses: "Patient Safety and Prevention of Adverse Events Related to Nursing Practices: Implementation of a Participatory Action-Training Program in Hospital Settings". Patient safety is a top priority in healthcare systems. Adverse events related to care (AES) such as medication errors, patient falls, healthcare-associated infections, or identification errors — are frequently associated with nursing practices. In Morocco, the culture of safety remains underdeveloped in many hospital settings, and nurses are rarely positioned as key actors in prevention, despite their central role in the care continuum. This project aims to strengthen patient safety through a participatory action-training approach, led by and for nurses.

Keywords: Patient Safety; Nursing Practices; Adverse Events; Action-Training; Safety Culture; Hospital Care; Quality of Care; Nursing Research

Position Details:

As a candidate, you will have the opportunity to become an integral part of a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

• Level of study: MD, Pharma MD (or PharmD), or nurses holding a Master's degree or an equivalent diploma (Bac+5)
• Position opportunity: Ph.D. Scholarships
• Gratification: Yes
• Duration: 4 years
• Lab: Research center - Faculty of Medical Sciences - UM6P Hospital – UM6P
• City: Ben Guerir - Morocco
• Application deadline: June 15, 2025, at 11h59 PM
• Interview: June 23 – 27 (1st Interview) & June 30 – July 4 (Final Interview)
• Result: July 9
• Starting: October1st, 2025

Application procedures

Candidates must submit* the following documents in one PDF ** via the registration link including:

• An updated CV or resume detailing your academic background, research experience, and relevant skills.
• A cover letter highlighting your research interests and motivations for the selected project clearly specifying the subject choice (Note: You may apply for only one subject).
• A research proposal for the chosen subject (3-5 pages maximum).
• Academic transcripts and diplomas.
• Three reference letters.
• Supporting documentation (e.g., publications, training certificates, etc.)

*All documents must be combined into a single PDF file. The PDF should be named as follows: CandidateFirstName_LastName_Theme_Subject number

**Applications missing required documents, not specifying the selected subject number, or applying to more than one offer will not be considered.

Join us on an exciting academic journey to advance the frontiers of biological sciences and make a profound impact on human health

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