Postdoc in Field-Based Boron and Potassium Biogeochemistry

About the role

The Global Critical Zone Science Chair at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship (candidates from Moroccan or African universities) to study boron and potassium biogeochemistry in the critical zone of instrumented Eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. The postdoc will be mostly based in Brazil, working with international teams and private-sector partners, and will be integrated into the Nutribor project funded by the French National Research Agency.

Key responsibilities

• Use existing infrastructure and experimental equipment at the EucFlux 200-ha Eucalyptus site in Brazil to establish a partial boron mass balance at two developmental stages: a mature fertilized stand before harvest (January to September 2025) and post-harvest stands with boron and potassium omission treatments.
• Analyse critical zone compartments (soil, soil water, vegetation, river water) for boron content and isotopic signature, as well as for macro- and micronutrients, including soil profiles to 150 cm, tree compartments, throughfall, stemflow, soil solutions, atmospheric deposition and groundwater.
• Conduct high-precision boron isotopic measurements in Brazil, and compare them with controlled experiments at the Ecotron near Paris.
• Model boron and potassium fluxes and establish boron and potassium budgets.
• Publish results in high-standard scientific journals and write an executive summary for policy makers and a final report.

Required profile

• PhD in environmental science, soil science, surface geochemistry or a related field from a recognized Moroccan or African university.
• At least one or two publications in international, well-ranked journals.
• Significant knowledge of environmental science, including soil field work and isotopic geochemistry techniques, or modelling capabilities.
• Excellent English, and skilled in both field and laboratory work.

Required skills

• Background in isotope geochemistry; experience with MC-ICP-MS is preferred.
• System approach to understanding nutrient behaviour in agroforestry systems.
• Writing skills, as results will be published in scientific journals.