CGCZS - Faculty position in Environmental Stoichiometry

CGCZS - Faculty position in Environmental Stoichiometry

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation with a focus on Africa.

Area of specialization: Critical Zone is the “heterogeneous, near-surface environment in which complex interactions involving rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms regulate the natural habitat and determine availability of life-sustaining resources”. Its limits are defined as ranging from the top of the canopy down to the bottom of the aquifer.

The successful applicant to this position will join the Global Critical Zone Science Chair to develop and conduct a research program in environmental stoichiometry aiming to bring the scientific knowledge to understand and model how environmental stoichiometry drives C sequestration in the soils, microbial communities variability, C use efficiency, and other aspects related to soil health and the impact of environmental stoichiometry into controlling mainly C, N, and P biogeochemical cycling.

The successful candidate should develop a wide range of expertise, mainly in the areas of soil health, nutrient use efficiency, biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and contaminants in the soil-plant-human system, and to support bridging this knowledge into policies and field management practices that will allow us to build more sustainable agricultural systems and to improve ecosystem services.

The Global Critical Zone Science Chair at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a full-time professor position in Environmental Stoichiometry (open rank). The successful applicant will conduct research in Environmental Stoichiometry aiming to understand the stoichiometric mechanisms controlling the fate and behavior of organic C in the soils (top soil and deep soil), with a particular focus on phosphorus limitation.

Other duties include advising students and postdocs, teaching graduate courses at UM6P, supporting the overall activities of the Chair and having a close relationship/follow up with the Chair’s scientific committee. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the different groups and departments of the university, including the Geology Department, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, International Water Research Institute, African Genome Center, Chemical and Biological Sciences, and Material Science, among others.

Evidence of research and teaching excellence is expected. Strong English communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

Successful candidates are expected to:

1. Initiate, develop, and lead joint research projects and programs in environmental stoichiometry in collaboration with a multidisciplinary consortium in the field.
2. Generate external research funds to support and maintain integrated research programs.
3. Establish collaboration and partnerships with great international scientific institutes.
4. Supervise graduate students, develop teaching materials, and attract high level-students.
5. Publish in well ranked and high impact-factor journals.
6. Teach and develop research regarding the principles of environmental stoichiometry; biogeochemical cycling of elements; fundamental biological and chemical processes controlling organic carbon sequestration in the soil; use of state-of-the-art spectroscopic and isotopic techniques; and modeling.
7. Translate the basic scientific knowledge generated from the above-mentioned disciplines into sound management practices on how to better manage our soils and agricultural systems.
8. Stay up to date with all current environmental science research.
9. Organize datasets and modelling efforts and support the development of long-term trials.
10. Willing to travel for some time to develop field work in the African continent and to visit other international institutions and partners.
11. Support the fulfillment of the goals and mission of the Global Critical Zone Science Chair.

Criteria of the candidate:

1. PhD in environmental science, soil science, surface geochemistry, or related fields from a recognized university.
2. At least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience in environmental sciences within the above-mentioned subjects, preferably with international experience.
3. High publication record in international well-ranked journals (at least 10 publications in the last 3 years).
4. Significant research record and leadership in molecular environmental science studies, including the use of state-of-the-art spectroscopic and isotopic techniques and modeling capabilities.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
6. Skilled in both field and lab work.
7. Good record of funding.
8. Proactive, ethical, and respectful person.
9. Organizational dexterity, ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
10. Maintains positive attitude in fast-paced changing environments.

About UM6P:

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development.

UM6P offers highly competitive salaries at the international level. Our researchers get incentives through a participation to the intellectual property they develop.

Applications and selection procedure:

Applications must be sent to: recrutement@um6p.ma , before the specified deadline in a single electronic zipped folder with the mention of the job title in the mail’s subject. The folder must contain:

1. A cover letter indicating the position applied for, the main research interests, and how the candidate fits the position.
2. A detailed CV.
3. Contact information of 3 references (applicants are assumed to have obtained their references’ consent to be contacted for this matter).

The short-listed candidates will be invited to meet the university selection committee.