Rockford University

About UM6P: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher learning, that is committed to an educational system based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. UM6P is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation. On a specific focus on Africa, UM6P aims to position these fields as the forefront and become a university of international standing. More than just a traditional academic institution, UM6P is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model. About Entity (Hiring entity): The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). ASARI is located in Laayoune City and constitutes a structure of practical-based research leveraging up-to-date science and technology with a vision of solving relevant Local, Regional, and African agriculture challenges. ASARI acts in connection with a wide network of universities and research centers around the continent to link real field issues with up-to-date science. The institute consists of a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, biochemists, molecular biologists, bioprocess specialists, animal scientists working with agricultural producers and other stakeholders in response to challenges affecting marginal environments. ASARI has mandates that includes three main research programs for, AgriBioTechnology that leverages up to date technologies in the service of the Southern Moroccan and Sub-Saharan agriculture challenges. Its ambition is to conduct relevant and cutting-edge research on plant/crop improvement, biosaline agriculture, valorization of local agricultural and marine resources, and animal nutrition and breeding with a positive impact on the African agriculture. Water treatment and management which is oriented towards the development of cost-effective desalinization processes for agriculture and other uses, Renewable energy that aims at developing new approaches to produce clean energy to address persistent challenges. Description of the position: ASARI seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a team of agronomy, agroecology, soil fertility management and remote sensing research experts who seek to develop precise fertilizer recommendations and regenerative cropping systems in arid-saline conditions of Morocco. We seek a highly motivated candidate with a PhD from a recognized University who is passionate about developing innovations that have direct impacts on farmers in arid lands. The candidate will participate in evaluating plant and soil biochemical mechanisms and above ground indices that can foster carbon sequestration and overall soil health in an arid environment. The candidate will also be expected to provide specialized expertise in engineering arid land agroecosystems with native plant species and soil ameliorants to enhance carbon sequestration and arrest soil erosion by wind. The candidate is expected to roll out multilocation trials and laboratory scale experiments and develop knowledge that can contribute to relevant teaching modules at UM6P, high quality publications, patents and research proposals for funding. The fellowship will be for a duration of 24 months after which further employment will be subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. Job Responsibilities Establishing research protocols for large scale on-farm experiments with the components of biochemical analysis of precursors of soil carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling Analyzing and developing models for quantifying carbon sequestration in a biome of native vegetation and constructing hedge rows in a desert environment Calibration, operation and troubleshooting of soil analytical equipment including GC, organic carbon analyzer, HPLC and spectrophotometer etc. Refining laboratory procedures for analysis of plant root ecosystem services for carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and relevant microbial communities. This includes assaying root – soil chemical interactions and imaging for simulation of soil health indices Contribution to the design of regenerative cropping systems and ameliorants particularly nanomaterials that can valorize drifting soil in arid lands Contribution to relevant research proposals, project reports, scientific publications and patents of potential nanomaterials Teaching pertinent graduate and undergraduate courses and training of UM6P technical staff. Capacity building of farmers and agricultural stakeholders in soil health and carbon sequestration. This role involves frequent travel and field activities in arid conditions of southern Morocco and lab activities at UM6P-ASARI. Education A Ph.D. in Soil Biochemistry, Soil Chemistry, Agronomy or related field. Requirement Strong experience in the analysis of soil and plant root biochemistry and nutrient cycling during thesis research. Basic understanding of soil carbon dynamics and mainstreaming in sustainable cropping systems and environment Experience in operation and troubleshooting of soil analytical equipment including GC, organic carbon analyzer, HPLC and spectrophotometer etc. Strong expertise in quantifying plant and soil carbon sequestration Proven experience in assaying root – soil chemical interactions and imaging for simulation of soil health and nutrient acquisition Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data analysis using R and SAS. Basic knowledge of remote sensing application to quantify carbon sequestration is desirable Proficiency in written and spoken English

Recruiter: Issam BARRA About UM6P: Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with international standards, is established to contribute to the development of Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development. This unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high quality academics and professionals in order to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech. Job description: The Center for soil and Fertilizer research in Africa at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research position in the field of Soil Spectroscopy. The successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary team to work on projects focused on the development of new easy, accurate, and low-cost tools for soil agricultural soils diagnosis based on the coupling of spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, NIR, Raman, …) with machine learning/ chemometrics. Responsibilities of the Position The Postdoctoral researcher is intended to support the soil spectroscopy research activities and digital soil mapping with specific responsibilities as presented below:  Conduct research on the development and application of spectroscopy methods such as near infrared and FTIR as alternatives to traditional methods of soil characterization, monitoring and management, Organization of field campaigns, data collection and lab work, Spectral data analysis, data processing, and model development, ‘R’, Python programming / package development, Co-supervise PhD and undergraduate students. Be engaged in technology transfer. Criteria of the candidate: Qualified applicants should have the following skills: Ph.D. in soil spectroscopy / Chemometrics/ analytical chemistry or related field. Experience in soil spectroscopy by using Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), near infrared Spectroscopy and advanced programming skills in ‘R’, Python … Experience in Data analysis and chemometrics (PLS, SVMR, NN…) Excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment, The ability to work to high standards within deadlines, Excellent command of English and French, Proven ability to publish in high impacted scientific peer-review journals. Application and Selection: Interested candidates should submit the following documents: Curriculum vitae (CV) Cover letter outlining research interests, relevant experience, and career goals. Contact information for three professional references.

About UM6P: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution of higher education. Its educational system is based on the highest standards of teaching and research in fields related to the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. With an innovative approach, UM6P places research and innovation at the heart of its educational project as a driving force of a business model. It focuses on applied research and innovation both in Morocco and Africa. The university is a platform for experimentation and a pool of opportunities, for students, professors, and staff. It offers a high-quality living and study environment thanks to its state-of-the-art infrastructure. About Entity (ASARI): The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It is located in Laayoune City, in south of Morocco. Its vision is targeting real, local, regional, and African challenges in the fields of agricultural in dry lands and marginal environments, animal value chain, water and energy sustainability, biorefinery and bioenergy, cultivation and conversion of micro and macroalgae, and geology and mining. Oriented towards Africa, ASARI acts in connection with a wide network of universities and research centers around the continent in order to link real field issues with up-to-date science. The institute has attracted multidisciplinary research teams composed of food engineers, agronomists, biochemists, biologists, … etc. Description of the position: The successful candidate will propose and develop research projects in veterinary sciences. he/she will be responsible for: Conducting independent research in veterinary sciences within the Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science Research Group, with a focus on animal health and welfare. Investigating and addressing veterinary issues relevant to southern Morocco, particularly (but not limited) in camels and goats. Providing basic husbandry, handling, and health surveillance of farm and laboratory animals. Developing and implementing new veterinary science research methodologies to improve disease management and animal productivity. Writing research proposals and securing external funding to support the Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science Research Group research projects. Publishing research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed veterinary science journals. Identifying, establishing, and developing infrastructure appropriate for the incorporation of research about veterinary sciences. Collaborating with faculty members while managing veterinary research activities and services. The candidate will also be expected to help maintain all field and laboratory equipment, order supplies as needed and help maintain research plot records and. Responsibilities also involve frequent travelling to different areas in Morocco and Africa. Education Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine or a closely related field Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine or a closely related field. A strong research background in veterinary medicine, epidemiology, animal health management, or diagnostics. Requirement Strong analytical skills in veterinary research. Knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental design. High interested in applied research. Ability to work independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary research team. Ability to initiate, conduct, and publish research results in a scientific manner and to attract external funding. Well-developed oral and written communication skills. The ability to communicate fluently in English.