Professor in Greenhouse Gases - Global Critical Zone Science Chair

Position Overview

The Global Critical Zone Science Chair at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a full-time professor position in greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions quantification and modeling (open rank). This role focuses on developing research programs to understand the impact of conservation agricultural practices on GHG emissions and organic carbon sequestration in soils.

Area of Specialization

The Critical Zone is the heterogeneous, near-surface environment where complex interactions involving rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms regulate natural habitats and determine availability of life-sustaining resources. The successful candidate will develop and conduct research in GHG emissions measurement and behavior, with particular focus on developing robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems to track agricultural practices' impact on organic carbon sequestration and emissions of H2O, N2O, CO2, and CH4 from soils.

The research program should address the role of phosphorus (P) limitation on GHG emissions and soil organic carbon, particularly in P-deficient and highly weathered tropical soils. The candidate must have strong modeling expertise to translate findings into models that improve carbon sequestration and decrease GHG emissions.

Key Responsibilities

• Initiate, develop, and lead joint research projects and programs in agro-environmental science
• Generate external research funds to support and maintain integrated research programs
• Establish collaboration and partnerships with international scientific institutes
• Supervise postgraduate students, develop teaching materials, and attract high-level young scientists
• Publish in well-ranked and high impact-factor journals
• Teach and develop research regarding GHG measurements, behavior, and modeling; its connection with biogeochemical cycling of C, N, and P

Additional Duties

• Translate scientific knowledge into sound management practices for soils and agricultural systems
• Stay up to date with environmental science, GHG research, and IPCC developments
• Organize datasets and modeling efforts and support development of long-term trials
• Travel to develop field work in the African continent and visit international institutions and partners
• Support the fulfillment of the goals and mission of the Global Critical Zone Science Chair

Required Qualifications

• PhD in environmental science, atmospheric science, or related fields from a recognized university
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience in environmental sciences, preferably with international experience
• High publication record in international well-ranked journals (at least 10 publications in the last 3 years)
• Significant research record and leadership in environmental science studies, including GHG measurements and modeling
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Skilled in both field and lab work
• Good record of funding
• Organizational dexterity, ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects

Collaboration

The successful applicant will work in close collaboration with different groups and departments of the university, including the Geology Department, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, International Water Research Institute, African Genome Center, Chemical and Biological Sciences, and Material Science.