Postdoc: Phosphorus Limitations in Shifting Cultivation Systems

About the role

The Global Critical Zone Science Chair (GCZSC), jointly hosted by LSCE (France) and UM6P (Morocco), offers a postdoctoral position to study emerging phosphorus limitations in shifting cultivation systems of Central Africa and their implications for cash crop yields and carbon sequestration. The postdoc splits time between the two countries. The main supervisors are Daniel Goll (LSCE researcher) and Philippe Ciais (LSCE research director).

Key responsibilities

• Use the land surface model ORCHIDEE CNP, which simulates carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and their cycling between minerals, soils and plants.
• Calibrate the model with crop yield data from fertilizer trials (with OCP Nutricrops) and satellite-observed forest biomass recovery, then run simulations for different forest regeneration times and soil phosphorus levels.
• Produce a first publication on carbon and nutrient budgets of crop and forest shifting cultivation systems, then integrate phosphorus fertilizer practices to quantify yield benefits and carbon storage impacts.
• Assess how carbon credits from improved shifting cultivation management could give farmers revenue and better access to fertilizers.

Required profile

• PhD or Master's degree in environmental sciences, agronomy, applied mathematics, computer science or an equivalent field.
• Autonomy, teamwork and time management skills; experience in multidisciplinary teams and clear communication with project partners.

Required skills

• Programming, preferably in Fortran, Python or R.
• Remote sensing data processing and analysis.
• Knowledge of biogeochemical cycles and process-oriented modeling.

Applicants apply through UM6P with a CV, a statement of motivation and answers to the selection criteria.