ASARI - Postdoc in Soil Microbiology Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in

The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Laayoune, Morocco, is seeking a postdoctoral fellow in soil microbiology. UM6P is a leading research and innovation institution in Africa, committed to advancing economic and human development through cutting-edge research. ASARI, launched in 2020, focuses on biosaline agriculture, native species valorisation, camel value chain, water, and renewable energy, addressing regional challenges in marginal environments with a multidisciplinary team.

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct research on the interactions between microorganisms and crop plants, aiming to develop effective crop inoculants for African smallholder farmers. The research will involve state-of-the-art techniques in soil microbiology and microbial-plant interactions, particularly in environments affected by drought, salinity, and other constraints. Responsibilities include designing and executing experiments, managing and analyzing data, synthesizing scientific literature, and communicating results through conferences and publications. The fellow will also participate in training and supervising students and interns, manage project resources, and contribute to proposal and manuscript writing.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Soil Microbiology, Microbial-Plant Interactions, or related fields, with a strong background in agronomy, agricultural sciences, or environmental sciences. Essential skills include data collection and analysis, proficiency with statistical and graphical packages, and experience with genomic data. Candidates should demonstrate leadership in research planning, publication in international journals, and mentoring abilities. Fluency in English is required, with French and Arabic as desirable additional languages. Experience in multidisciplinary teams and supervisory roles is preferred.

The position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment, frequent travel to experimental platforms and farmer’s fields, and engagement with national and international research networks. The application process is through the academic positions portal, and candidates should prepare a CV, cover letter, and evidence of qualifications. Funding details are not specified in the announcement.