Vancouver Island University

About UM6P: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University 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 for the future of Africa. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University 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 Marrakech. Thanks to its prestigious architectural landscape and modern equipment, the UM6P offers premium conditions for a desirable lifestyle. About GSMI : GSMI (Geology & Sustainable Mining institute) aims to strengthen its industrial partnerships within and beyond Morocco and Africa by adopting an integrated and sustainable strategic vision of R&D and training. The institute focuses on various aspects of the mine lifecycle and aims to provide significantly higher added value. In addition to conventional mineral resources R&D, GSMI places emphasis on developing the mine of the future, which includes areas such as geo-mineralogy of mineral resources, circular economy, resource governance, sustainable management of water in mining, and integrated management of mine discharges. Furthermore, GSMI offers several state-of-the-art R&D platforms that are at the forefront of science and technology. These platforms serve as advanced research and development facilities for conducting cutting-edge research and exploring technological advancements in the field. Position Summary: Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher – Valorization of complex phosphate ores. Duration: 12 months. We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join a multidisciplinary research project focused on the sustainable valorization of complex phosphate ores through innovative comminution and classification strategies. The successful candidate will play a leading role in advancing research on autogenous grinding as a low-energy alternative for liberating indurated phosphates. This project integrates mineralogical and mechanical characterization, pilot-scale testing, and advanced process simulation, with the objective of optimizing grinding performance and enhancing resource recovery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mineral processing, comminution modeling, and ore characterization, and will contribute to developing an integrated beneficiation strategy that reduces operational costs, and energy consumption. This research aligns with broader goals of promoting circular economy practices and technological innovation in the Moroccan phosphate mining sector. Area of Research: Sustainable mineral processing, with a focus on the valorization of complex phosphate ores. Main responsibilities: Conduct a detailed literature review on the valorization of complex phosphate ores. Design and implement mechanical, mineralogical, and rheological characterizations of indurated phosphate. Lead the design and execution of lab-scale grinding and classification trials based on experimental design. Contribute to the numerical modeling of beneficiation circuits (e.g., using USIMPAC or similar software). Analyze, interpret, and report the outcomes of simulations and pilot tests. Draft technical reports and scientific publications. Coordinate with internal researchers, external labs, and industrial partners. Candidate Profile: Required qualifications : PhD in Mineral Processing, Mining Engineering, Georesources Engineering, or related field. Proven experience in ore characterization techniques (mechanical, mineralogical, physical). Solid knowledge of comminution technologies and mineral beneficiation processes. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English or French. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Preferred qualifications : Experience in grinding technology. Familiarity with process simulation software (e.g., USIMPAC, MODSIM, METSIM). Prior collaboration with industrial partners. Good knowledge of phosphate ores and North African mineral context. Application Documents: Interested candidates should submit the following documents: Cover letter Detailed CV List of publications Copies of diplomas Professional references (minimum of 2)

Host Institution Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa, aiming to position itself among the world’s leading universities in its fields. The University is committed to economic and human development and places research and innovation at the heart of Africa’s progress. This approach enables UM6P to strengthen Morocco’s leadership in these areas through a unique model based on partnerships and by fostering the development of skills essential for Africa’s future. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, at the heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to make a lasting impact at the national, continental, and global levels. About ARC_AIR – African Research Center on Air Quality and Climate: The African Research Center on Air Quality and Climate (ARC_AIR) is a research unit within UM6P dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and innovative solutions in the fields of air quality, atmospheric chemistry, and climate. ARC_AIR’s mission is to support sustainable development in Africa through high-impact research, capacity building, and technology transfer. The center brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and students working on addressing environmental challenges such as industrial emissions, urban pollution, and climate change impacts. ARC_AIR also collaborates closely with national and international partners to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global atmospheric science and to develop tools and strategies that guide evidence-based policymaking. Research Area Earth Observation Artificial Intelligence Climate Change Urban and Territorial Sustainability Water–Energy–Food Nexus Position Description African Research Center on Air Quality and Climate (ARC_AIR) of UM6P invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within an interdisciplinary research program focusing on the integrated analysis of climate change, urbanization, resource systems, and territorial performance, with a particular emphasis on Morocco, Africa, and semi-arid to arid regions. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of Earth Observation, geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence, climate and sustainability science, aiming to develop predictive, decision-oriented, and operational frameworks for climate-resilient and sustainable territories. Research Scope and Objectives The successful candidate will contribute to the following research axes: AI-driven territorial diagnostics and foresight, integrating multi-source satellite data with machine learning and spatial modeling Climate–water–energy–agriculture interactions, with applications to water scarcity, urban heat stress, air quality, and territorial resilience Land-use and land-cover change (LULCC) and its impacts on surface climate, ecosystem services, and socio-economic systems Urban and territorial sustainability indicators, observatories, and decision-support tools for policy and planning Energy demand and territorial energy metabolism, including building-scale, urban-scale and territorial-scale assessments Urban and peri-urban agriculture as climate-resilient territorial solutions Expected Contributions By joining this program, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to: Conduct independent and collaborative research leading to publications in high-impact international journals Develop and apply advanced geospatial, statistical, and AI-based methodologies Contribute to international research projects, reports, and proposals Support the supervision of graduate students and contribute to capacity building Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers, institutions, and stakeholders Candidate Profile Required Qualifications PhD in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Sciences, Environmental Science, Climate Science, Data Science, Urban Studies, or related fields Strong background in Earth Observation data analysis and/or spatial modeling Proven ability to publish in high impact peer-reviewed international journals Experience with machine/deep learning / AI applied to environmental or urban systems Familiarity with climate modeling, urban climate, urban agriculture, water resources, and energy systems Experience working in interdisciplinary or international research projects Interest in policy-relevant and impact-oriented research Application Procedure Interested candidates should submit the following documents: Cover letter outlining research interests and motivation Curriculum Vitae (including publication list) Research statement (1–2 pages) describing alignment with the research program One or two representative publications Contact information of two referees

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