Postdoctoral Researcher – Trace Elements & Agroecosystems

About the role

Two postdoctoral researchers are sought to join the African Genome Center at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) to lead interdisciplinary investigations on trace elements (Cd, Cr, As) in agricultural soils. The work will integrate field surveys, controlled experiments and advanced analytical techniques to understand element mobility, bioavailability and impacts on plant performance.

Key responsibilities

• Design and conduct field investigations and greenhouse experiments on contaminated agro‑ecosystems.
• Analyse soil chemistry and determine concentrations and speciation of Cd, Cr and As.
• Characterise soil microbial communities using ecological and molecular methods.
• Assess plant growth, nutrient uptake and physiological responses under trace‑element stress.
• Develop and test nature‑based remediation strategies such as microbial‑assisted and plant‑microbe interactions.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications and present findings at conferences.

Required profile

• PhD in soil science, environmental science, microbiology, agronomy, plant science or a related discipline.
• Strong background in trace‑element dynamics, soil‑plant interactions or environmental biogeochemistry.
• Experience in experimental design, data analysis and scientific writing.

Required skills

• Soil chemistry analysis techniques.
• Microbial ecology methods (e.g., DNA‑based community profiling).
• Molecular biology tools for functional assays.
• Experimental design and statistical data analysis.