AITTC - Postdoctoral Researcher Soil Physics for Sustainable Land Management

Entity: Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AITTC) – College of Agriculture and environmental Science (CAES), University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P)

Host institution: 

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.

Description: 

The Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre (AITTC) of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is currently accepting applications for a full-time position as a Postdoctoral Researcher. The ideal candidate should showcase a capacity for transdisciplinary research and an understanding of sustainable land management how soil physics sciences can play a major role in soil conservation and developing techniques and approaches to reduce soil erosion and thus soil degradation. Previous experience in collaborative research teams that synthesize knowledge from diverse fields will benefit this position.

The selected postdoctoral researcher should be well-versed in soil conservation action discussions and able to communicate effectively with scientists in related fields. A willingness to integrate perspectives from multiple scientific domains is highly desirable. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about contributing to impactful soil conservation solutions and possess the required qualifications.

Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AITTC) is part of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), dedicated to providing high-quality research and services in the field of agronomy, soil fertility, land rehabilitation, and environment for the benefit of Moroccan and African agriculture. The AITTC is actively engaged in researching various topics, including:

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

Primary duties and responsibilities:

The successful candidate will conduct a comprehensive review of soil degradation resulting from erosion in agricultural cropping systems across Africa. The primary goal is to identify the tipping points of soil erosion in Africa and propose enhancements in cropping systems to mitigate erosion caused by wind and water. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to develop methodologies and protocols for assessing soil erosion and soil health in African soils, using novel technologies, and employing a transdisciplinary approach to understand how to control soil erosion and land degradation in the context of climate change.

His responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the state of soil degradation caused by soil erosion in agricultural production systems across Africa.
• Identify tipping points of soil erosion in African soil and to suggest improvements in cropping systems (such as Nature-based solutions, Conservation Agriculture, Agroforestry, Regenerative Agriculture, and Agroecology) to reduce erosion by wind and water.
• Develop methods and protocols to evaluate soil erosion and soil health in African soils, using a transdisciplinary approach.
• Apply new technologies to evaluate soil erosion and soil physical properties.
• Conduct trials to evaluate soil erosion and soil physical properties in laboratory and in the field in different cropping systems. 
• Participate in interdisciplinary research team activities at AITTC and CAES. 
• Write grant proposals aimed at securing funding for projects related to Soil and Water Conservation. 
• Participate in the training and supervising visitors, interns, graduate students, undergraduate students, and volunteer workers as needed.
• Report writing for research project.
• Manuscript writing and publication in referee journal. 

Criteria of the candidate:

• PhD in the field of Soil science and agronomy 
• Background in agronomy, water management, forestry, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, or related areas.
• Strong experience on conducting soil erosion research in laboratory and in the field. 
• Excellent knowledge of the application of new technologies in soil erosion and soil physics, including analyzing soil structure through X-ray Computed Tomography and conducting soil surface modeling using laser scanning.
• Demonstrated capacity for transdisciplinary research.
• Strong publication record in leading international journals
• Good communication skills, including a demonstrated record of presentations to professional organizations and participations in distinguished events and congress in soil science and soil erosion.
• Fluency in written and spoken English, French and Arabic. 
• Aptitude for teamwork, problem-solving, and collaborative work.
• Dynamic, self-reliant, and proactive.