Postdoctoral Researcher in Agronomy and Soil Sciences - Organic Matter Dynamics

About the Position

The Center of Excellence for Soil and Fertilizer Research in Africa (CESFRA) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University seeks a dynamic postdoctoral researcher to investigate the dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) and strategies to improve its stable form, establishing relationships between SOM and biological indicators for soil health under different land uses.

Area of Specialization

Degraded soils, organic matter, organo-mineral amendment, microbial inoculation, plant cover, soil health and quality, soil health indicators, sustainable agriculture, field experiments monitoring.

Research Focus

The successful candidate will conduct innovative research to:

• Evaluate the effect of land uses and agricultural practices on soil carbon storage capacity
• Develop strategies including organo-mineral amendment, plant cover installation, and microorganism inoculation
• Increase sequestration of stable organic matter in soils
• Use practical biological soil health indicators to promote sustainable agricultural soil use in Africa

Main Responsibilities

• Conduct surveys with farmers to assess agricultural practices in Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan African countries with low soil organic carbon
• Characterize soil properties from different studied farms
• Test methods to improve soil organic carbon content using organo-mineral resources under controlled conditions
• Assess the effect of organo-mineral resources on soil carbon stock in field conditions
• Implement agronomic assays to evaluate stability of clay-humic complexes and microbial activity contributions
• Assess effects of organo-mineral management on soil biological parameters, including soil fauna
• Predict organic matter dynamics under future climate change using Soil Organic Models
• Mentor master students and PhD candidates

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Agronomy, Soil Sciences with focus on organic matter dynamics, or Soil Ecology
• Strong knowledge of soil science, soil fertility, and crop production systems in Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan African countries
• Capability to set up field experiments, interpret data using statistical methods, and produce high-quality manuscripts
• Demonstrated experience in multidisciplinary research in the relevant area
• High-quality publications in relevant scientific journals
• Experience supervising undergraduate and graduate students
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English and French

About UM6P

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an international-standard higher education institution in Benguerir, serving Morocco and the African continent. The university focuses on research and innovation at the service of education and development, with state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure in the metropolitan area of Marrakech.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter indicating the position and main research interests
• Detailed CV
• Statement of research and teaching interests
• Three reference letters

Expected start date: September 1st, 2025