Universidad de Belgrano

Job Title: CESFRA - Postdoctoral Position in Agronomy and Soils Sciences (Dynamic of organic matter (SOM) in soils and how to improve it contains, particularly, on its stable form and establish the relationships between SOM and biological indicators for soil health under different land uses). Area of specialization: Degraded soils, Organic matter, organo-mineral amendment, microbial inoculation, plant covert, soil health and quality, soil health indictors, sustainable agriculture, field experiments monitoring. About UM6P: At the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve 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 to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech. About Center of Excellence for Soil and Fertilizer Research in Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences: Center of Excellence of Soil and Fertilizer Research in Africa at the Mohamed VI Polytechnic University (CESFRA) aims to evolve a continental hub of knowledge, skills, technology and information on soil suitability, land use and fertilizer development, which can be accessible to the various African stakeholders viz., farmers, universities, research institutions, policy makers, public and private sectors with the purpose of unveiling the huge potential of the Africa’s agriculture. Certainly, the knowledge generation and accessibility tasks do take place through partnership, networking, faculty and students exchange between CESFRA of UM6P and the various academic, research and other related organizations operating in Africa.  The key thematic research and development areas that can help in transforming the Africa’s food production systems is listed below: Pedology and land use Soil fertility and fertilizer Soil Health Job/Project description: The Center for Sustainable Soil Sciences (CAES) at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University seeks a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our academic institution as a postdoctoral research staff in Agronomy (Dynamic of organic matter in soils and how to improve it contains, particularly, on its stable form and establish the relationships with biological indicators for soil health under different land uses). The successful candidate will contribute to our institution's commitment to excellence in research and innovation in agronomy and soils sciences, mainly by conducting innovate research which allow us: (i) to evaluate the effect of land uses and agricultural practices on the capacity of soils to store carbon and (ii) to develop strategies (organo-mineral amendment, installation of a plant cover, inoculation by microorganisms of agronomic interest) and propose recommendations (iii) to increase the sequestration of organic matter on its stable form in the soils and (iv) to use practical biological soil health indicators, such as soil fauna, to promote sustainable use of agricultural soils in Africa. Main responsibilities: The selected candidate will be expected to: Conduct a survey with farmers to obtain a general view of real agricultural practices used in the selected Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan African countries where SOC is very low;  Propose characterisation of the soil properties collected from different studied farms;  Test how to Improve soil organic carbon content using organo-mineral resources under controlled condition; Assess the effect of using organo-mineral resources on soil carbon stock in the field; Implement agronomic assay to evaluate the stability of clay-humic complexes under culture conditions and how an intense of microbial activity contributes into the process of stabilization of organic matter; Assess the effects of organo-mineral management on soil biological parameters, including soil fauna; Predict the dynamic of OM in the future global climate change by using Soil Organic Models. Mentor master students and PhDs Education, qualifications, and experience Applicants must have an earned doctorate in Agronomy, Soils Sciences with hands-on the dynamic of Organic Matter in the soils, or Soil Ecology.  Strong knowledge of soil science, soil fertility, and crop production systems in Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan African countries; Capabilities to set up field experiments and interpret measured data, including statistical medthods, and translate it high quality into manuscripts to be submitted;  Demonstrated experience of multidisciplinary research in the above research area. High-quality publications in relevant scientific journals demonstrate a strong record of research accomplishments. Experience in supervising undergraduate/graduate students. Strong communication skills in English and French, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and the broader scientific community. Applications and selection procedure: The application folder must contain: Cover letter indicating the position applied for and the main research interests. Detailed CV. Statement of research and teaching interests describing the candidates’ experience with the position field. 3 references letters

About UM6P: University Mohammed VI Polytechnic is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields. The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco's frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant to the future of Africa. University Mohammed VI Polytechnic aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally. UM6P is located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City and only 70 km away from Marrakesh. Thanks to its prestigious architectural landscape and modern equipment, the UM6P offers premium conditions for a desirable lifestyle. Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher – non-conventional phosphates beneficiation. 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 non-conventional phosphates (including phosphates sludges) and the development of beneficiation processes (classification, grinding and flotation or others). The successful candidate will lead research efforts to evaluate the feasibility of upgrading non-conventional phosphates by flotation or other techniques. This work will involve mineralogical and chemical characterization, process testing at laboratory scale, and techno-economic evaluation of developed routes. The project contributes to Morocco’s strategic objectives in resource valorization, environmental sustainability, and circular economy, in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners. Area of Research: Sustainable mineral processing, with emphasis on phosphates beneficiation and process optimization. Main responsibilities: Conduct literature review on phosphate ore and waste processing and valorization; Operate and maintain mineral processing and analytical instruments; Design and execute laboratory-scale experiments for beneficiation (flotation, and others); Assess process parameters to optimize recovery and product quality; Evaluate potential valorization routes for process by-products and residues; Analyze, interpret, and synthesize experimental data to support process development; Contribute to the economic and environmental assessment of developed processes; Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, publications, and technical notes. Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and students on project activities. Participate in regular project reviews and research meetings. Collaborate with internal teams, partner laboratories, and industrial stakeholders. Candidate Profile: Required qualifications : PhD in mineral processing, materials science, metallurgical engineering, or related discipline; Proven experience in ore characterization and process development; Strong background in mineral beneficiation; Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; Strong scientific writing and communication abilities in English (French is an asset); Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research environment. Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following documents: A cover letter detailing their motivation and relevant experience A curriculum vitae (CV) Contact information for one or two academic or professional references Any additional supporting documents the candidate deems important Applications should be submitted electronically by March 15th, 2026, with all documents attached in a single file or zipped folder and the subject line: Non-conventional phosphates valorization – Post doc Applications will be reviewed by a scientific committee, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview

The Role The 12-month fixed-term Research Assistant position is available 2.5 days per week (50% FTE). The successful candidate will join the project "Train the Trainer - Echolocation Habilitation Workforce Training with Guide Dogs UK" led by Professor Lore Thaler and funded by UKRI ESRC grant. The project focuses on training Guide Dog UK's workforce and assessing the effects of this training on the workforce and the effects on their clients. To deliver the project the research team will travel on approximately 12 occasions to various locations in the UK to deliver training workshops. Costs of travel and accommodation will be covered by the project. Otherwise work times and location (including hybrid working) are flexible, subject to meeting project goals and deadlines. The habilitation workforce of Guide Dogs UK is the largest provider of services and support to children with sight loss and their families. This project will deliver training in echolocation to this workforce. There will be remote & initial in-person training to the whole workforce, and follow-up in-person training to develop Subject Matter Experts for continued independent support within the workforce. The project will measure and document effects of training on attendees' practice and effects on service users. The successful candidate, supervised by Professor Lore Thaler, will assist with the delivery of training to teach echolocation and echolocation instruction to visual impairment habilitation workers and to people with vision impairments. Planned work includes delivery of in-person and remote training workshops, development of materials to gather feedback data (including online tools), accessibility testing of materials, data gathering, analysis and presentation of results, and engagement with stakeholders via workshops and email. The candidate will be based in the department of Psychology. The majority of training workshops will take place in-person at various locations in the UK, and there will also be workshops delivered online. The successful applicant does not need to have prior experience with echolocation, but should be willing to acquire relevant practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The successful applicant must have experience of working with diverse groups of people, ideally including people with vision impairments. The successful applicant will be able to create and maintain an excellent rapport with people of various walks of life, and have the ability to contribute to the organization and delivery of events such as workshops. The successful applicant will carry out a range of duties, including communicating with stakeholders and relevant organizations, planning workshops and assisting with delivery of workshops, developing materials to gather feedback data (including online tools), gathering feedback data, summarizing and presenting feedback data. Applicants should have an excellent academic record, be reliable and well organised, and the ability to have an excellent rapport with people of various walks of life, ideally including people with vision impairments. An academic qualification (BSc / MSc or equivalent) in psychology or a discipline related to psychology or visual impairment (re) habilitation is essential (current students in their final academic year may apply - please provide grades attained so far). Previous experience of working with people and organizing events is also essential. Because the post-holder will work with people with visual impairments, the appointment also depends on a successful DBS (formerly CRB) check.