AGBS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Agronomy & Soil Quality and Health

Host program: AgroBioSciences Department (AgBS), College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), AgroBioSciences Program-Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Duration: 2 years (CDD)

About UM6P

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P,https://www.um6p.ma/en) is an international higher education institution, established to provide research and innovation at the service of education and development for Morocco and the African continent. It has a state-of-the-art campus at the heart of the Green City of Benguerir, near Marrakesh. UM6P academics and staff enjoy strong research funding, moderate teaching loads, and excellent facilities. Its research approach is transdisciplinary with an emphasis on international collaboration. Many of our research programs run as start-ups. OCP group (http://www.ocpgroup.ma/en/home), a world leader in fertilizer production, is a major starter client for the University providing capital and research funds. In parallel, a new portfolio of clients is growing with the development of an R&D cluster around the University and a growing number of international partnerships.
About the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science (CAES) and AgroBiosciences Program (AgBS) at UM6P:

The College of Agriculture and Environmental Science (CAES) is a component of the Science & Technology pole of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It constitutes a structure of higher education and practical-based research with a vision of solving real African agriculture challenges leveraging up to date science and technology. Oriented towards Africa, CAES acts in connection with a wide network of universities and research centers around the continent in order to link real field issues with up-to-date science. 

Job description

The Agrobiosciences department (AGBS) at The College of Agriculture and Environmental Science (CAES)- Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, is currently offering an exciting opportunity for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow in the field of Agronomy, Microbiology & Soil Quality and Health.

Additionally, candidates should possess expertise in molecular biology, chemical analysis, valorization of biomass, plant health, Proficiency in biostatistical analysis, data management, and other analytical techniques. 

The intended postdoc fellowship will be engaged broadly in the development of low carbon impact and enriched substrates as agriculture sustainable solutions to improve plant production, and the soil quality and health. To qualify for this position, candidates should hold a Ph.D. degree in Agronomy, applied microbiology, or a related field, and demonstrate a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Exceptional proficiency in English is a prerequisite, and a working knowledge of French is preferred. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with our team of researchers, doctoral and master's students, as well as technicians, contributing to cutting-edge research in our department.
Main Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to: Research Planning and Execution:

• Participate in the generation and evaluation of novel biobased substrates

• Conduct laboratory and greenhouse-based experiments using test crops.

• Collaborate with the research team to plan, design, and execute research activities and experiments. 

• Collect data, analyze research results, and interpret findings to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. 

• Reporting: Prepare comprehensive technical reports summarizing research methodologies, results, and conclusions. 

• Student Supervision: Play an active role in mentoring and supervising both graduate (MSc and PhD) and undergraduate students, fostering their academic and research growth.

• Collaborative Research: Develop and implement collaborative research initiatives with various partners and networks, both within and outside the university, to expand the impact and reach of your research. 

• Publication and Dissemination: Publish your research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed scientific journals, contributing to the global scientific community's understanding of your area of specialization. 

• Grant Proposal Development: Collaborate on the development of research proposals, seeking funding opportunities from national and international donors to support innovative research projects.
   

Candidate Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates should meet the following criteria:

•  Hold a Recent Ph.D. earned within the last five years in Agronomy, Applied Microbiology, soil quality and health or a related field, demonstrating a commitment to cutting-edge research.

•  Strong expertise in agronomic science, soil sciences, and Biomass valorization.

•  Demonstrated proficiency in biostatistical analysis, data management, and physicochemical analytical methods.

•  Ability to plan and execute experimental trials based on DOE (design of experiment) approaches. 

•  Excellent aptitude for collaborative work and problem- solving, which are essential for effective contributions to research teams.

•  Excellent communication skills in English and French, both written and verbal.

•  Organizational Abilities: Demonstrate dexterity in organization, including the capacity to manage and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.

•  Adaptability: Maintain a positive attitude and adaptability in fast-paced, evolving research environments, ensuring you can thrive in dynamic settings.

• A track record of publication in well ranked journals.

Applications documents:

• Covering letter

• A detailed CV including the list of publications;

• A synthetic description of research background, relevant research projects and activities, key publications and achievements, and future research interests;

• Contact detailed for two reference persons;

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

Selection process: 

The applications will be reviewed by a scientific committee. Eligible candidates will be invited for an interview.