The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Laayoune is seeking applications for a full-time Research & Education Fellow in the field of soil science with focus on soil fertility management. The appointed candidate is expected to conduct research, prepare proposals, write reports and scientific papers related to soil health indicators, soil rehabilitation, and best management practices to improve soil fertility in arid and marginal zones. The candidate is also expected to develop teaching modules about soil fertility, salinity and soil management and deliver courses related to those fields.
Key Duties
Responsibilities of the incumbent will include but not limited to:
- Implement on-farm experiments and develop best practices for mining and desert soil rehabilitation Develop cropping systems to improve soil health and soil carbon sequestration
- Test soil amendments and fertilizers to improve soil fertility and crop production
- Conduct soil fertility analysis in the laboratory: organic carbon, nitrogen mineralization, PLFA, etc. Evaluate soil moisture, soil carbon flux and microbial activity in field and laboratory
- Prepare and design simulation studies using soil and crop modeling tools
- Compile and analyse experimental data, interpret results, prepare presentations and manuscripts, and publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
- Prepare innovative research projects and prepare grant-proposals Supervise Postdoc, PhD and Master students as well as interns
- Project management including budget, materials, equipment, and staff
The candidate will also be expected to help maintain all field and laboratory equipment, order supplies as needed, and help maintain research plot records. Responsibilities also involve frequent travelling to different experimental platforms and farmer’s fields. The successful candidate is also expected to collaborate actively with other members of the ASARI group in Laayoune as well as other research entities at the UM6P and other universities.
Essential
Qualifications and Experience
- Ph.D. in soil science (soil fertility and/or nutrient management), agronomy, crop science, plant science, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated research experience in conducting on-station and on-farm research and also greenhouse and lab work on soil fertility, salinity /agronomy as required.
- Expertise in the following areas (please indicate in the cover letter):
- Soil salinity and fertility management
- Marginal and desert environments
- Crop and soil modelling
- Crop production and soil health analysis
- Proficiency with statistical analysis and visualization using tools (R, SAS, etc.) and Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrated publication record in well-ranked journals
- Experience in working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
Desirable
- Working knowledge of projects and database management
- Additional language skills, Arabic and French are desirable
- Experience writing proposals and applying for grants
- Supervisory experience.
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