Postdoctoral Researcher in Remote Sensing for Irrigation Mapping (CRSA) Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in

About the Institution: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a leading higher education institution in Morocco, located in the Green City of Benguerir. UM6P is dedicated to research and innovation, with a strong focus on contributing to the development of Morocco and the African continent. The university boasts a state-of-the-art campus and a vibrant academic and research network, fostering a quality-oriented research environment.

About the Center: The Center for Remote Sensing Applications (CRSA) at UM6P is a multidisciplinary research hub addressing food and water security challenges in Africa. The center specializes in developing methods and tools that utilize multi-source remotely sensed data to improve the understanding and sustainable management of natural resources such as soil, land, water, and agriculture, particularly in the context of climate change. CRSA aims to provide operational products and services to support decision-making in water and food systems at local, national, and international levels.

Position Overview: The CRSA is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a project focused on irrigation mapping, detection of irrigation timing, and quantification of water supply in irrigation systems using remote sensing data. The research is centered on Moroccan smallholder agriculture, which is characterized by complex, small, and irregularly shaped plots, intercropping, and mixed-cropping systems. The project addresses the challenges of distinguishing between irrigated and rainfed agriculture, as well as natural vegetation, in mosaic landscapes with rapid land cover changes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop algorithms and methodologies for mapping irrigation patterns using satellite imagery.
• Investigate methods for detecting the timing and frequency of irrigation events from time-series remote sensing data.
• Develop models and techniques to quantify water supply and irrigation efficiency in agricultural landscapes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate remote sensing data with ground-based observations, physical algorithms, and machine learning models.
• Participate in field data collection and validation to support model accuracy.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences and workshops.
• Mentor master’s and PhD students.

Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Environmental Science, Data Science, or a related field. Essential skills include remote sensing data analysis, image processing, geospatial analysis, experience with satellite imagery (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel), proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB, and knowledge of machine learning and statistical modeling for environmental applications. Strong communication and teamwork skills are required.

Application Process: Applications should be submitted via the hiring platform by June 30, 2026. The application must include a cover letter, detailed CV, statement of research and teaching interests, and contact information for two references. The successful candidate is expected to start in September 2026.

Funding: No specific funding details are provided in the announcement.

Location: The position is based at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir, Morocco.