Postdoc: Bio-based Materials for Sustainable Agriculture

About the role

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), located in Benguerir, Morocco, invites a Postdoctoral Fellow to join its Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat-RC). The project develops advanced bioinspired, circular-economy-driven biobased functional materials for sustainable agriculture, focusing on water-soil interfaces, water retention, controlled release of fertilizers and nutrients, and soil hydration using multi-source biomass.

Key responsibilities

• Design, formulate and characterize biobased materials such as hydrogels, polymers and composites for agricultural use.
• Develop and optimize protocols for the encapsulation and controlled release of nutrients.
• Investigate water-use efficiency, soil moisture dynamics and nutrient availability in water-retentive systems, with relevance to arid and semi-arid conditions.
• Use analytical, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques (FTIR, UV-Vis, XRD, DLS, SEM-EDS, TEM, TGA/DSC) for material characterization.
• Collaborate in an interdisciplinary team, keep detailed records of experiments and data, and prepare manuscripts for high-impact journals and conference presentations.
• Contribute to research proposals and seek external funding, and assist in supervising master's and doctoral students.

Required profile

• Recently awarded Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in polymer/hydrogel synthesis, biopolymer modification, water-retentive formulations and characterization.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research with a strong publication record.
• Experience or strong interest in sustainable agriculture, controlled-release systems, soil science interfaces or water management in water-limited environments is an advantage.
• Excellent organizational skills, teamwork, motivation and initiative, and fluent English.

Applications consist of a CV, a one-page cover letter and contact details for two referees, submitted as a single PDF. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.