AgBS - Postdoctoral Fellow in Agronomy and Soil Science

About UM6P:

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development. This unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high quality academics and professionals to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech. 

About UM6P and AgroBioSciences (AgBS):

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.

The AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program is a component of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It constitutes a structure of practical-based research with a vision of solving real African agriculture challenges leveraging up to date science and technology.

The AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program leverages up to date technologies in the service of African agriculture challenges. It is a multidisciplinary research center with the ambition to conduct relevant and cutting-edge research with a positive impact on the African agriculture. It is based on the collaboration and synergy of several research programs targeting diverse disciplines of research in agriculture, such as: Microbiome, Omics, Plant Physiology and Crop Improvement, Plant Pathology, By-products Valorization, Soil Sciences, Agronomy and Sustainable Farming…

Job/Project description:

The AgroBioSciences Program (AgBS) at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is seeking a highly motivated and skilled candidate for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellowship in the field of Agronomy and Soil Science. The successful candidate will contribute to improve our understanding of the role of legume crops for sustainable phosphorus management in agriculture. The candidate will focus on investigating the varietal differences in organic phosphorus utilization among legume species. Additionally, the position will involve identifying the mechanisms by which legume plants utilize organic P. The candidate will also evaluate changes in soil microbial communities in response to organic P fertilization as well as explore fertilizer management practices that can enhance organic P utilization by legume crops.

Main responsibilities:

The selected candidate will be expected to:

• Develop and implement field and laboratory experiments.
• Analyze data and publish results in high-impact scientific journals.
• Mentor and supervise master and PhD students.
• Contribute to writing project grants and proposals as well establish collaborations both within and outside the university.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and agronomists.

Education, qualifications, and experience

• Hold a Ph.D, earned within the last five years, in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Physiology, Soil biogeochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong background in plant nutrition, soil microbiology, and biochemistry.
• Experience with greenhouse and field experiments, as well as advanced analytical techniques.
• Proficiency in data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Strong publication record in relevant scientific journals. 
• Excellent communication skills in English and French, both written and verbal.
• High ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Applications and selection procedure:

The application folder must contain in one single PDF:

• Cover letter indicating the position applied for and the main research interests.
• Detailed CV.
• Research statement summarizing the research background, activities, key publications, and future research interests.
• Contact information of 2 references 

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