Postdoctoral Researcher in Boron and Potassium Biogeochemistry - Critical Zone Science

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Résumé du rôle

Two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University's Global Critical Zone Science Chair, based primarily in Brazil. The position focuses on field-based research into boron and potassium biogeochemistry in Eucalyptus plantations, examining nutrient cycling dynamics and their relationship to forest productivity and ecosystem services. Candidates must hold a PhD in environmental/soil science from African or Moroccan institutions, with strong expertise in isotope geochemistry, field sampling, and preferably MCICPMS experience.

Exigences clés (estimation)

Conduct comprehensive field sampling of soil, vegetation, water, and atmospheric compartments at the EucFlux Eucalyptus plantation site in Brazil
Perform high-precision boron isotopic measurements and macro/micronutrient analyses using advanced analytical techniques including MCICPMS
Establish partial boron and potassium mass balances across different developmental stages and fertilization regimes of Eucalyptus plantations
Develop and apply reactive transport models to simulate boron and potassium biogeochemical fluxes in tropical forest ecosystems
Publish research findings in high-impact international journals and prepare executive summaries for policymakers

Compétences

Isotope geochemistry expertise with hands-on MCICPMS experienceField sampling and soil science methodologyBiogeochemical modeling and data analysisAdvanced laboratory analytical techniquesScientific writing and publication in international journalsSystems-level thinking for ecosystem research

Niveau estimé

This is an early-career postdoctoral position requiring a PhD qualification. Candidates should have 0-1 years of postdoctoral experience or equivalent research experience, with demonstrated expertise in isotope geochemistry and field-based environmental research. Prior publications in international journals are essential.

Attributs détectés par l’IA (si absents de l’offre)

Type de contrat: CDD / Contrat
Mode de travail: Sur site
Niveau d'expérience: 0–1 an
Fonction: Data / BI
Secteur: Agriculture
Niveau d'études: Doctorat
Langues: Anglais

Cette analyse a été générée automatiquement par Postule AI à partir de l'offre.

Position Overview

The Global Critical Zone Science Chair at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship. The successful candidate will conduct field-based research on boron and potassium biogeochemistry in instrumented Eucalyptus plantation sites in Brazil, primarily based on-site in Brazil.

Research Focus

This project aims to improve understanding of nutritional dynamics in forest ecosystems, particularly in tropical Eucalyptus plantations. The research will focus on establishing boron and potassium mass balances and examining how nutrient cycles link to ecosystem services. The work integrates experimentation, isotopic measurements, and modeling approaches within the broader Nutribor project framework funded by the French National Research Agency.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct field sampling across multiple critical zone compartments (soil, vegetation, soil pore water, river water) at the EucFlux site in Brazil
Perform high-precision boron isotopic measurements and macro/micronutrient analyses using MCICPMS and related techniques
Establish boron and potassium mass balances at different developmental stages of Eucalyptus plantations under various fertilization regimes
Analyze relationships between boron and other macro- and micronutrients in the studied agroforestry systems
Develop reactive transport models to simulate boron and potassium fluxes in tropical forest soils
Publish findings in high-impact international scientific journals and prepare policy briefs

Required Qualifications

PhD in environmental science, soil science, surface geochemistry, or related fields from a recognized Moroccan or African university
Strong background in isotope geochemistry with preferably hands-on experience with MCICPMS instrumentation
Demonstrated expertise in soil field work and isotopic geochemistry techniques or modeling capabilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
Proven competency in both field and laboratory work
Publication record with at least one or two articles in well-ranked international journals

Project Details

The primary field site, EucFlux, is a 200-hectare instrumented Eucalyptus plantation in Brazil with continuous monitoring since 2008. The research will span two plantation cycles: the mature stand through harvest (January-September 2025) and the early developmental stages of the subsequent plantation cycle with nutrient omission designs for boron and potassium.

The postdoctoral work will benefit from collaboration with international research teams, the private forest exploitation sector, and a modeling team at Cirad. Parallel controlled experiments at the Ecotron facility near Paris will provide complementary data for comparison and validation.

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