CSAES - AITTC – Postdoctoral Researcher – Soil Rehabilitation Using Bioengineering Technologies

About UM6P

Located in the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a world-class higher education institution established to serve Morocco and the African continent. With a strong focus on research and innovation to support education and sustainable development, UM6P boasts a state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure. It has built a robust academic and research network and is committed to recruiting high-quality academics and professionals to contribute to its dynamic, quality-driven research environment.

About AITTC

The Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AITTC), part of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), is dedicated to delivering high-impact research and services in agronomy, soil fertility, land rehabilitation, and environmental sustainability for the benefit of Moroccan and African agriculture. AITTC actively engages in research across several thematic areas, including:

• Marginal Land Rehabilitation
• Best Management Practices
• Species Conservation and Introduction
• Agricultural Systems Development
• Small-Scale Mechanization and Digital Farming
• By-product Valorization and Carbon Sequestration
• Conservation Agriculture and Agroforestry
• Soil Physics for Sustainable Land Management  

Professional Development and Networking:

• UM6P offers a range of professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and training programs. The successful candidate will have the chance to network with leading experts in the field, industry professionals, and policymakers, enhancing their career prospects and professional growth.

Supportive Work Environment:

• UM6P is committed to providing a supportive work environment that promotes work-life balance. Flexible working hours and wellness programs are available to ensure the well-being of our staff.

Job Description

The Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AITTC) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Soil Rehabilitation Using Bioengineering Technologies, as part of the GREEN EARTH SCALE UP MOROCCO. The role focuses on the application of microorganisms in land restoration, soil health improvement, and carbon sequestration. The successful candidate will conduct both field and laboratory trials to evaluate the performance of bioengineering solutions in enhancing soil physical and chemical properties, increasing carbon sequestration, and advancing soil microbiology

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Study the biology and ecological dynamics of biological soil crusts (biocrusts) in Moroccan soils, with a focus on their roles in soil aggregation, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.
• Explore the interaction mechanisms between microorganisms within biocrusts, soil environments, and plant systems, particularly their effects on soil rehabilitation, water retention, and soil aggregation.
• Developing methods and protocols to assess soil health and carbon sequestration in lands restored through bioengineering.
• Performing microbiological analyses to assess soil health and carbon sequestration (microbial biomass analysis, soil enzyme activity assays, microbial community profiling,quantification of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition, microbial stress indicators, and microbial phosphorus cycling…
• Conducting laboratory and field trials to evaluate soil physical properties in degraded landscapes.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams at AITTC and CAES.
• Writing grant proposals to secure funding for land restoration projects.
• Training and supervising interns, graduate and undergraduate students, visiting researchers, and volunteers.
• Preparing detailed research project reports.
• Writing scientific manuscripts and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

Candidate Profile

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Environmental Biology, Soil Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in microbial ecology, especially in cyanobacteria or microalgae biology.
• Strong experience in soil biological analysis
• Proven ability to engage in transdisciplinary research.
• Strong publication record in leading international journals.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting at professional conferences and participating in high-level scientific events related to soil science and erosion.
• Fluency in English, French, and Arabic (spoken and written).
• Strong aptitude for teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Self-motivated, dynamic, and proactive.