AgBS: Post Doc in Plant-Microbe interactions and crop agrophysiology, industrial microbiology (9831)

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.

Job/Project description: 

In the context of agricultural sustainability, ensuring global food security necessitates innovation, technological advancements, and effective implementation of solutions to enhance food production. Modern agriculture has to be more productive, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. While macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur supplied by mineral fertilizers are vital to crop production, agriculturally beneficial microorganisms may also contribute directly (i.e., biological N2 fixation, P solubilization, and phytohormone production, etc.) or indirectly (i.e., antimicrobial compounds biosynthesis and elicitation of induced systemic resistance, etc.) to crop improvement and fertilizers efficiency. It is of vital importance that improving use of mineral nutrients is a must to securing higher yield and productivity in a sustainable manner, therefore continuously designing, developing, and testing innovative integrated plant nutrient management systems based on relevant biological resources (crops and microorganisms) is highly required. 

The successful candidates will actively participate in two interdisciplinary projects focusing on the role of beneficial soil microorganisms for crop production and tolerance to stress notably nutrient deficiencies. This will also include development of relevant biological solution based on beneficial microbes, which will necessitate knowledge upscaling the research outputs into technological achievements applied to crop production and health. 

Successful candidates will be responsible of designing and implementing research and development activities that involve crop (cereals), nutrients (P, N, etc.) and beneficial microbes withing an integrated approach encompassing controlled and field-based experiments. 

Key duties: 

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to:  

• Conduct research as part of the project team.
• Conduct field experiments.
• Publish in high impact journals in the field.
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to teaching or other training activities (if applicable)

Criteria of the candidate:     

• PhD in the field of plant-microbe interactions, industrial microbiology, crop physiology or related fields.
• Strong publication record in leading international journals Experience in supervising students
• Experience in conducting field works.
• Aptitude for teamwork, problem-solving and collaborative relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English
• Organizational dexterity and ability to prioritize and manage multiple goals.
• Positive attitude in changing fast-paced environments.
• Active participation in improvement of self, processes, and goals

Applications and selection procedure:  

Using a single electronic zipped folder with the mention of the job title in the mails subject. The folder must contain: 

• A cover letter indicating the position applied for and the main research interests.
• A detailed CV.
• A brief research statement.
• Contact information of 3 references (Applicants are assumed to have obtained their references’ consent to be contacted for this matter).

All applications will be circulated to all Project Partners for review. The candidates will be shortlisted by all Project Partners and will be invited to an Interview with a search panel composed of scientists.