Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Job Title: IWRI - Postdoctoral researcher in Bioinspired circular conversion of multi-source biomass feedstocks for water-retentive agricultural systems Host Institute: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), International Water Research Institute (IWRI) Field: Bioinspired Chemistry, Sustainable Materials, Water & Soil Interfaces Project Overview The International Water Research Institute (IWRI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary research program dedicated to the development of bioinspired, circular-economy-driven materials for water retention, soil hydration, and sustainable agriculture. The project aims to design next-generation supramolecular materials derived from biomass for applications in water stress mitigation, nutrient retention, and soil regeneration. This work directly contributes to water scarcity resilience and climate-smart agriculture. Job Qualifications PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience in sustainable processing of multi-source biomass feedstocks and/or development of biobased/bio-inspired materials. Strong experience in Biopolymers, modification, and supramolecular assembly. Experience in developing biobased hydrogels or hydrated colloidal systems for water retention, soil improvement, or controlled release applications. Experience with biostimulants or eco-friendly soil conditioners is an asset. Hands-on experience with physicochemical characterization techniques such as FTIR, UV–Vis, XRD, DLS, SEM–EDS, TEM, TGA/DSC. Experience with greenhouse or laboratory experiments evaluating water retention, soil hydration, plant germination, or agronomic performance under water stress. Proven capacity to publish peer-reviewed scientific papers and deliver technical reports. Good publication track record in peer-reviewed journals. Strong communication skills in English (written and oral). Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team. Excellent networking ability and organizational skills. Experience in co-supervision and coordination of master/PhD students. Commitment to lab safety and research integrity. Key Responsibilities Conduct original, internationally competitive research on bioinspired materials, biostimulant matrices and water-retentive biobased systems for enhanced water–nutrient coupling. Develop nutrient (N, P)-enriched biostimulant matrices for enhanced water–nutrient coupling and improved plant nutrition. Design, synthesize, and optimize functional materials derived from renewable feedstock (marine and lignocellulosic) for applications in water retention, soil hydration, and nutrient stabilization. Conduct full physicochemical characterization: FTIR, UV–Vis, XRD, DLS, SEM–EDS, TEM, TGA/DSC. Prepare, submit, and publish high-impact peer-reviewed scientific articles, and present research findings at international conferences, workshops, and scientific meetings. Mentor and co-supervise Master’s and PhD students within the framework of research activities. Collaborate with internal and external researchers to reinforce interdisciplinary synergies across water sciences, materials chemistry, and sustainable agriculture. Communicate regularly with the research project team regarding the development, progress, challenges, and outcomes of research activities. Identify and implement areas of improvement within research workflows using integrated and statistical management approaches (DOE, optimization strategies) to strengthen capacity building and scientific rigor. Contribute actively to the preparation of research proposals for national and international competitive funding opportunities. Contribute to water-related innovation, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary projects at IWRI. Application Procedure Interested candidates should submit: Cover letter Curriculum Vitae Research statement List of publications Two references

Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher – Potash brine and phosphogypsum valorization. Duration: 12 months. Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary research project dedicated to the sustainable valorization of potash brine and phosphogypsum, with a specific focus on bioleaching technologies. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing the use of environmentally friendly bioleaching techniques for the extraction of valuable resources from these industrial by-products. The project embedded in a circular economy approach aimed at reducing environmental impacts while creating value from industrial co-products, namely phosphogypsum and residual brines generated by sedimentary potash processing activities. The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the valorization of each material separately through physicochemical and biological approaches, with the objective of identifying optimal pathways for resource recovery. The project will also focus on the combined treatment of phosphogypsum and brines, studying the synergistic and symbiotic effects arising from their interaction within integrated bioprocesses. This work will contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable strategies for the recovery of sulfur, magnesium, potassium and other valuable elements from industrial residues. Area of Research: Valorization of industrial by-products derived from sedimentary potash processing and phosphoric acid production. The research will involve physicochemical and biological treatment approaches for potash brines and phosphogypsum, as well as the development of integrated processes exploiting potential synergistic effects between both materials within a circular economy framework. Main responsibilities: Conduct a comprehensive literature review on potash brine management, phosphogypsum valorization, and related physicochemical and biological processing routes. Perform chemical, mineralogical, and physicochemical characterization of potash brines and phosphogypsum. Design and carry out laboratory-scale experiments to investigate separate valorization pathways for brines and phosphogypsum; Develop and evaluate integrated treatment strategies combining both materials, with particular attention to synergistic and symbiotic effects; Study process parameters affecting the recovery of sulfur, magnesium, potassium, and other valuable elements; Analyze, interpret, and synthesize experimental results to support process optimization; Contribute to the assessment of the environmental and sustainability performance of the developed processes; Prepare scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations; Candidate Profile: Required qualifications : PhD in chemical Engineering, biotechnology or related discipline. Proven experience in mineral characterization, liquid analysis and process development; Strong background in solution chemistry and bioprocessing; Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; Strong scientific writing and communication abilities in English; Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research environment. Application Documents: Interested candidates should submit the following documents: Cover letter Detailed CV List of publications Copies of diplomas Professional references (minimum of 2) 

Position Title: Postdoctoral researcher – Plant ecology and soil–plant interactions in vegetated photovoltaic systems-in mining site. Duration: 12 months, renewable. Position Summary: We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join our team and contribute to an innovative research project. This position is part of a project aimed at evaluating the integration of native vegetation beneath photovoltaic installations in semi-arid post-mine environments. The objectives include soil stabilization, dust reduction, and the creation of a favorable microclimate to enhance the energy performance of solar panels. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop applied research skills in a field with significant environmental impact. Responsibilities: Selection and characterization of native and local plant species (grasses, legumes, pollinator-friendly plants). Implementation of germination, growth, and adaptation trials under semi-arid conditions. Execution of field trials on pilot sites. Analysis of vegetation effects on microclimate. Participation in the analysis of soil–plant interactions (composition, moisture, microbiology). Scientific valorization: publications, reports, and communication of results. Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental protection regulations in accordance with UM6P standards. Candidate Profile: PhD in plant ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field. Experience in phytomanagement, plant ecology and biology, revegetation of degraded sites. Knowledge of moroccan or mediterranean native plants. Skills in plant propagation and development. Proficiency in biodiversity monitoring tools and plant growth tracking. Field experimentation skills and experience in ecological data collection and analysis. Demonstrated hands-on experience using a variety of laboratory equipment and techniques. Mastery of lab procedures and instruments essential for conducting effective experiments and research. Strong teamwork and collaborative problem-solving skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and French. Additional Skills (Preferred): Previous post-doctoral experience in plant ecology. Experience with environmental data analysis (R, multivariate statistics). Experience in GIS. Strong scientific writing skills and command of scientific English. Initiative and autonomy to conduct fieldwork. Application Documents: Cover letter Detailed CV List of publications Copies of diplomas Professional references (minimum of 2)