PhD Candidate in Tracing Cd phytoavailability in the soil-plant system - Benguerir

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AITTC)

Position Announcement

Tracing Cd phytoavailability in the soil-plant system using a combined approach: stable isotopes and speciation

Job Title: Pre-doctoral positions

Research topic:

Trace metals inputs to agricultural soils via fertilisers are of concern due to their potential risk to the environment and human health. The overarching goal of the DUNE project (CaDmiUm and Trace Elements Bio-Availability and Transfer In Soil-PlaNt SystEm) is to enhance our understanding of Cd bioavailability to crops and its bio-accumulation within the soil-plant system. To that end, it is primordial to tackle the Cd biogeochemical cycle and dynamic, and put effort into characterizing Cd sources in the environment as well as understanding what controls its bioavailability down to a molecular level. The DUNE project will bring further knowledge on the uptake mechanisms and fate (translocation, accumulation) of Cd and trace elements in crops and their rhizosphere.

Job description:

The PhD project will focus on characterizing the source of Cd contaminant (soil, fertilisers, water) into top-soils and understanding what controls the bioavailability of Cd and trace elements. The objective is to investigate the fate of Cd in the biota using an innovative and unique approach combining cutting-edge Cd stable isotope analysis to X-ray spectroscopy measurements of Cd speciation in order to bring knowledge on the main processes that control Cd bioavailability. Trials will be performed under green house during two or three entire crop cycles (2 years), with different additions of fertilizers. The speciation and location of the elements of interest will be determined by state-of-the-art methodology based on a multiple scale characterization combining techniques at CEREGE and synchrotron radiation facilities including X-ray Absorption Spectroscopies (XAS, XRF) and imaging techniques (Micro-XAS, micro-XRF,…). Cadmium stable isotope analysis will be performed on CEREGE’s multi-collector mass spectrometer MC-ICPMS.

The PhD will perform experiments and analysis both in France (CEREGE, Aix en Provence) and in Morocco (UM6P/Experimental farm of AITTC).

Key duties:

Successful candidate is expected to: 

• Manage different assignments in France and Morocco
• Conduct greenhouse trials on selected crops
• Perform/manage sample analyses using different techniques (XAS, isotopic analyses, imaging techniques and interpret data
• Develop an interdisciplinary approach
• Perform data analysis and interpretation
• Write reports and articles.

Criteria of the candidate:   

• Master’s or equivalent degree in soil science, agronomy, environmental science, physico-chemistry
• Rigor / organization
• Good communication skills in French and English
• Teamwork