AGC - Postdoctoral Position in Trace Elements and Agroecosystems

Two Postdoctoral Positions

About UM6P:

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher learning, that is committed to an educational system based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. UM6P is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation. On a specific focus on Africa, UM6P aims to position these fields as the forefront and become a university of international standing.

More than just a traditional academic institution, UM6P is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model.

About Entity (Hiring entity):

The African Genome Center (www.agc.um6p.ma ), is a multidisciplinary research entity dedicated to advancing genomics and systems biology approaches to address critical challenges in agriculture, environment, and health. AGC integrates expertise in microbial ecology, soil and plant sciences, environmental genomics, and biotechnology to develop innovative, sustainable solutions tailored to African and global agroecosystems. Through state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong international partnerships, and a commitment to translational research, AGC provides an exceptional environment for cutting-edge research, capacity building, and scientific excellence.

Description of the position:

The successful candidates will contribute to an interdisciplinary research program focused on understanding the sources, mobility, and bioavailability of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) in agricultural soils, and their effects on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and physiological performance. The research will explore interactions between trace elements, soil microbial communities, and plant–soil feedback mechanisms, as well as their impacts on key soil health indicators, including biological, chemical, and functional attributes. A strong emphasis will be placed on bioremediation and nature-based solutions, such as microbial-assisted remediation and plant–microbe interactions in the rhizosphere, endophytic compartments, and mycorrhizal associations, with the ultimate goal of developing sustainable management strategies for contaminated agroecosystems. The project will integrate field investigations, controlled experiments, and advanced analytical approaches, including soil chemistry, microbial ecology, molecular tools, and functional assays.

Education

• A PhD in soil science, environmental sciences, microbiology, agronomy, plant sciences, or a related field.

Requirement

• Strong background in trace element dynamics, soil–plant interactions, or environmental biogeochemistry.
• Experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing
• Added value: expertise in microbial ecology, bioremediation, or omics-based approaches