CRSA - Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Soil Attribute Estimation for Yield Gap Analysis

About UM6P:

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with international standards, is established to contribute to the development of 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 in order to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech.

About CRSA

CRSA is a transversal structure across several UM6P Programs. Research within the center is organized around several major areas that aim to ensure the challenging Food and Water security goal in Africa, with a special focus on developing methods/tools that use multi-source remotely sensed data. The research aims to improve our understanding of the integrated functioning of continental surfaces and their interaction with climate and humans, with emphasis on sustainable management of natural resources (soil, land, water, agriculture) in the context of Climate Change. One of the center’s goals is to provide a set of services and operational products to users (local, national and international) that aid in the decision support of water and food systems.

Job Summary

The global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, significantly increasing the demand for food production. Yield gaps, the difference between potential and actual crop yields, represent a critical challenge in achieving food security. This project aims to develop advanced methods for estimating key soil attributes that influence crop yield. This information will be used to identify and address yield gaps, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and productive agricultural practices.

Key Responsibilities

• You will play a key role in developing and applying novel techniques for soil attribute estimation using various data sources, including: 
  • Field-based measurements
  • Remote sensing data
  • Proximal sensing data (e.g., from soil sensors)
  • Machine learning and statistical modeling
• You will collaborate with soil scientists, agronomists, and data scientists to integrate soil attribute estimates into a comprehensive yield gap analysis framework.
• You will be responsible for conducting research, analyzing data, writing scientific reports and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Help supervision PhD students.
• You may also have the opportunity to contribute to grant proposals and participate in scientific conferences.

Experience and Qualifications:

• PhD in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agriculture, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in soil physics, chemistry, and pedology.
• Expertise in data analysis techniques, including machine learning and statistical modeling.
• Good understanding of spatial data processing and analysis methods.
• Multi-spectral/multi-resolution remote sensing analysis
• Strong programming skills (R, Python or similar)
• Experience in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVI, GDAL, …) and geospatial analysis tools is a plus.
• Participate in project meetings, contribute to project planning, and assist in the interpretation of results.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Having a strong publication record in prestigious journals
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on a cutting-edge research project with significant societal impact.
• Collaborative and stimulating research environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
• Opportunity to contribute to scientific publications and presentations.

To Apply:

Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your research experience and interest in the position and contact information for three references.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our Center. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.