Postdoctoral Researcher in Blue Economy, Coastal Tourism & Yachting Industry

Position Overview

The Sustainable Real Estate Innovation Lab (SuRE In Lab) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Morocco) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join its multidisciplinary research team. The successful candidate will contribute to the research project "Sustainable Tourism Development: Blueprint for a Green Luxury Yacht Cluster in the Tétouan Region".

This role focuses on conceptualizing and analyzing sustainable models for luxury yachting and coastal tourism development in northern Morocco. The researcher will design and execute a dedicated work package on the Blue Economy and Yachting Value Chain, examining regional value chains connected to tourism, nautical services, and shipbuilding/repair.

Key Responsibilities

Value Chain Analysis in Marine & Maritime Sectors

• Conduct detailed mapping and analysis of the blue economy value chain, emphasizing marine and coastal tourism, nautical and marina-based services, and yachting operations
• Identify strengths, gaps, innovation drivers, and strategic opportunities for sustainable development

Regional Economic Impact of Tourism & Nautical Services

• Assess potential for regional economic growth from luxury tourism flows, nautical services quality and specialization, and local supply chains
• Evaluate socio-economic spillovers at the territorial level, focusing on the Tétouan region

Economic & Industrial Dynamics of the Yachting Industry

• Analyze industrial and economic aspects of yacht manufacturing, shipbuilding, repair and refit activities, and marina technical services
• Explore green innovation pathways for yacht manufacturing and maintenance

Integration of Blue Economy & Territorial Development

• Evaluate how yachting, nautical services, and coastal tourism contribute to sustainable territorial development and regional competitiveness
• Formulate policy and planning recommendations aligned with sustainable real estate and coastal development principles

Research and Scientific Output

• Produce scientific publications, technical reports, value chain analyses, and policy briefs
• Contribute to SuRE In Lab's research agenda on sustainable coastal development and territorial innovation
• Support consolidation and validation of the Green Luxury Yacht Cluster blueprint

Project Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with regional authorities, marina managers, shipyards, tourism operators, and industry stakeholders
• Support design of new research proposals (Horizon Europe, Interreg, EMFAF)
• Facilitate participatory workshops and stakeholder consultations

Capacity Building & Dissemination

• Present results in academic, policy, and professional forums
• Support training and capacity-building initiatives in sustainable development and blue economy
• Coordinate seminars, roundtables, and dissemination activities

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Blue Economy, Tourism Studies, Yachting and Maritime Economics, Territorial Planning, Real Estate Development, or related fields
• Expertise in at least two areas: coastal and luxury tourism development, yachting industry and maritime ecosystems, regional and territorial development, or nautical services and marina systems
• Knowledge of shipbuilding, repair/refit processes, or marina management
• Strong research background with relevant publications
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative analytical methods
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and stakeholder-engagement skills
• Fluency in English and French; Italian is an asset

Desired Additional Skills

• Familiarity with sustainability frameworks (blue economy, circular economy, ESG, regenerative coastal development)
• Ability to produce actionable, policy-oriented insights