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Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioinspired Circular Conversion of Biomass for Water-Retentive Agricultural Systems


Décryptage du poste par Postule AI

Host Institute

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), International Water Research Institute (IWRI)

Field

Bioinspired Chemistry, Sustainable Materials, Water & Soil Interfaces

Project Overview

The International Water Research Institute (IWRI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary research program dedicated to the development of bioinspired, circular-economy-driven materials for water retention, soil hydration, and sustainable agriculture.

The project aims to design next-generation supramolecular materials derived from biomass for applications in water stress mitigation, nutrient retention, and soil regeneration. This work directly contributes to water scarcity resilience and climate-smart agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct original, internationally competitive research on bioinspired materials, biostimulant matrices and water-retentive biobased systems for enhanced water–nutrient coupling
  • Develop nutrient (N, P)-enriched biostimulant matrices for enhanced water–nutrient coupling and improved plant nutrition
  • Design, synthesize, and optimize functional materials derived from renewable feedstock (marine and lignocellulosic) for applications in water retention, soil hydration, and nutrient stabilization
  • Conduct full physicochemical characterization: FTIR, UV–Vis, XRD, DLS, SEM–EDS, TEM, TGA/DSC
  • Prepare, submit, and publish high-impact peer-reviewed scientific articles, and present research findings at international conferences, workshops, and scientific meetings
  • Mentor and co-supervise Master's and PhD students within the framework of research activities
  • Collaborate with internal and external researchers to reinforce interdisciplinary synergies across water sciences, materials chemistry, and sustainable agriculture
  • Contribute actively to the preparation of research proposals for national and international competitive funding opportunities

Job Qualifications

  • PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated experience in sustainable processing of multi-source biomass feedstocks and/or development of biobased/bio-inspired materials
  • Strong experience in Biopolymers, modification, and supramolecular assembly
  • Experience in developing biobased hydrogels or hydrated colloidal systems for water retention, soil improvement, or controlled release applications
  • Hands-on experience with physicochemical characterization techniques such as FTIR, UV–Vis, XRD, DLS, SEM–EDS, TEM, TGA/DSC
  • Experience with greenhouse or laboratory experiments evaluating water retention, soil hydration, plant germination, or agronomic performance under water stress
  • Proven capacity to publish peer-reviewed scientific papers and deliver technical reports
  • Good publication track record in peer-reviewed journals
  • Strong communication skills in English (written and oral)
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team
  • Experience in co-supervision and coordination of master/PhD students
  • Commitment to lab safety and research integrity

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit:

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Research statement
  • List of publications
  • Two references

Cette description d'emploi a pu être reformatée par Postule pour améliorer sa lisibilité et sa présentation. Le contenu et les informations restent fidèles à l'offre d'emploi originale. .