AgBS - Postdoctoral Position in Plant Biomass Valorization and Microbial Interaction for Enhanced Rock Phosphate solubilization and plant Nutrition

About UM6P

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development. This unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high quality academics and professionals to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech. 

About AgBS-CAES

The AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program is a component of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It constitutes a structure of practical-based research with a vision of solving real African agriculture challenges leveraging up to date science and technology.

The AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program leverages up to date technologies in the service of African agriculture challenges. It is a multidisciplinary research center with the ambition to conduct relevant and cutting-edge research with a positive impact on the African agriculture. It is based on the collaboration and synergy of several research programs targeting diverse disciplines of research in agriculture, such as: Microbiome, Omics, Plant Physiology and Crop Improvement, Plant Pathology, By-products Valorization, Soil Sciences, Agronomy and Sustainable Farming…

Position Summary

The AgroBioSciences Program (AgBS) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is seeking a highly motivated and skilled candidate for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellowship in the field of plant biomass valorization and plant-microorganism interactions. The successful candidate will contribute to improving our understanding of an innovative technique aimed at exploring rock phosphate and enhancing nutrient assimilation in plants. This involves utilizing organic acids extracted from plant biomass and microorganisms, and incorporating mycorrhizae to enhance plant assimilation, particularly those isolated from the Rehamna region and phosphate mining areas (indigenous strains).

The candidate will focus on isolating mycorrhizae and microorganisms sourced from the Rehamna region and phosphate mines. This effort aims to optimize the utilization of indigenous strains. Additionally, the candidate will work on identifying plant biomass rich in organic acids, known for their effectiveness in solubilizing phosphorus. The proposed strategy has the potential to advance developments in industrial phosphate fertilizer production by utilizing organic acids from plant biomass and microorganisms.

Additionally, the candidate will evaluate changes in soil microbial communities in response to organic phosphorus (P) fertilization and explore fertilizer management practices that can enhance organic P utilization by plants.

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Main responsibilities:

The selected candidate will be expected to:

• Develop and implement field and laboratory experiments.
• Analyze data and publish results in high-impact scientific journals.
• Mentor and supervise master and PhD students.
• Contribute to writing project grants and proposals as well establish collaborations both within and outside the university.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and agronomists.

Education, qualifications, and experience

• Hold a Ph.D, earned within the last five years, in Green Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Soil microbiology or a related field.
• Strong background in plant nutrition, Organic acid Extraction, soil microbiology, and Phytochemistry.
• Experience with greenhouse and field experiments, as well as advanced analytical techniques.
• Proficiency in data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Strong publication record in relevant scientific journals. 
• Excellent communication skills in English and French, both written and verbal.
• High ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Applications and selection procedure:

The application folder must contain in one single PDF:

• Cover letter indicating the position applied for and the main research interests.
• Detailed CV.
• Research statement summarizing the research background, activities, key publications, and future research interests.
• Contact information of 3 references 

The applications will be reviewed by a scientific committee. Eligible candidates will be invited for an interview.