About UM6P:
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields
The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco's frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa.
Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.
About AgroBioSciences (AgBS):
The AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program is a component of the Science & Technology pole of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It constitutes a structure of higher education and practical-based research with a vision of solving real African agriculture challenges by leveraging up-to-date science and technology.
The AgroBiosciences Program Research Center leverages up-to-date technologies to address African agriculture challenges. It is a multidisciplinary research center that aims to conduct relevant, cutting-edge research that positively impacts 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…
Job / Project description:
1 year (renewal is possible), Desirable start date: September 1st, 2026.
About the position
The increased demand for food and its reliance on agricultural inputs exert great pressure on agri-food supply chains and call for more sustainable and effective food production systems. Although the key contribution of mineral fertilizers (N and P) to sustain crop production, the plants root plasticity, rhizosphere microbial activities and their interactions play a pivotal role in enhanced nutrient acquisition and crop productivity through a range of beneficial plant-growth-promoting traits (N fixation, phytohormones production, P, K and Zn solubilization, etc.). Improving our understanding of rhizosphere processes (exudation of organic acids and phosphatases) including root plasticity and root-associated beneficial microbes is a must for achieving stable crop productivity in a sustainable way. In that regard, there is an urgent need to double the ongoing efforts for developing innovative and sustainable solutions to increase crop production. Hence, exploring the diversity and functioning of soil microbial resources capable of improving nutrients use efficiency and tolerating harsh conditions, could be an effectively integrated nutrient management approach allowing higher yield and nutrient acquisition efficiency.
The successful candidate will significantly contribute to specific, but in-depth, research activities related to root-soil-nutrient-microbe interaction by studying soil microbial modifications particularly related to soil N and P dynamics, molecular and physiological “microbial and plant” traits that significantly influence the biological nutrient acquisition (including biological N2 fixation) and crop growth/yield improvement.
Key responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Design and conduct Lab, greenhouse and field experiments.
- Perform soil-plant-microbe “biochemistry, molecular and genomic” analyses.
- Collaborate with other researchers in the team and beyond.
- Co-Supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
- Contribute to teaching activities or other transversal training.
- Disseminate research outcomes through participation in scientific events and publish in leading international journals.
Desired skills and experiences:
- PhD in plant-soil microbiology, molecular microbiology, or related fields.
- Strong knowledge of plant-soil-microbe interactions, nodule and root physiology, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses.
- Understanding of soil biogeochemical processes with special emphasis on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics and nutrient-facilitation rhizosphere processes
- Outstanding publication record in leading international journals
- Experience in supervising students
- Fluency in spoken English and proficiency in academic writing.
- Aptitude for teamwork, problem solving skills and collaborative relationships.
- Experience working in a collaborative research environment and willingness to work within a multidisciplinary group.
