Postdoctoral Researcher – Advanced Fertilizers & Sustainable Nutrient Delivery

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, Morocco. The project focuses on developing fully biodegradable nutrient carriers and soil amendments derived from agricultural and marine waste to improve nutrient use efficiency, water retention and soil health in drought‑prone systems.

Key responsibilities

• Extract and functionalize biopolymers from agricultural and marine biomass.
• Design carrier formulations using cross‑linking methods such as ionotropic gelation and freeze‑drying, including composite carriers with biochar.
• Synthesize, characterize and optimize highly porous biosolid carriers for immediate and slow‑release fertilization.
• Perform physicochemical analyses (FTIR, SEM/TEM/AFM, BET surface area, porosity).
• Conduct agronomic trials to evaluate nutrient release, soil water retention and plant performance under drought conditions.

Required profile

• PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Soil Science, Agronomy or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in biopolymer extraction, polymer synthesis and formulation.
• Strong background in laboratory characterization techniques and agronomic testing.

Required skills

• Biopolymer extraction and functionalization.
• Ionotropic gelation and freeze‑drying techniques.
• Composite carrier preparation with biochar.
• FTIR spectroscopy.
• Scanning/Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM).
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
• BET surface area and porosity analysis.
• Agronomic evaluation of nutrient delivery and soil water retention.