UM6P CEDOC- SUSMAT - RC: Development of Bioproducts-based Emulsion Formulations for Liquid Agri-Inpu - Benguerir

Description of the research :

Liquid fertilizers have emerged as a prominent form of fertilizers in contemporary agricultural practices. They offer easy uptake through plant roots and can be mixed with water for application through fertigation or foliar spraying, ensuring precise dosing and uniform nutrient distribution across fields. However, loss of nutrients or their interactions with the soil before getting assimilated by the plant are common challenges either for liquid or solid fertilizers. This thesis aims to develop innovative solutions that address these challenges associated with the low efficiency of agri-inputs for sustainable crop production. With this thesis, we aim to develop emulsion fertilizer formulations for objective to protect nutrients from soil interactions and promote their slow diffusion for optimal and effective nutrient assimilation by plants. Emulsified biopesticides will also be elaborated and studied for their release behavior, adherence to the targeted surface and pest control efficiency.

The selected candidate will be working on the elaboration of bioproducts-based emulsion formulations for agri-inputs systems, their characterization and on testing their suitability and efficiency. Different emulsion configurations will be tested, optimized, and characterized for their stability and behavior. Structural features and properties of different components will be adapted through chemical modifications prior to emulsification.

This PhD multidisciplinary project is offered as part of UM6P-CE-doc (Centre d’études doctorales) program. The research will be conducted mainly at UM6P with intermittent scientific visits abroad. The research education corresponds to four years of full-time studies.

Work duties:

To develop this highly challenging project, we are looking for a highly motivated student able to design, plan and execute experimental work, to conduct literature search, actively participate and present results in group meetings, seminars and conferences, taking a lead role in writing articles, initiate close collaboration with other faculty members, assist bachelor and other students in their activities.

Candidate profile:

The ideal candidate should be strongly self-motivated, keen to innovate, can work well in an interdisciplinary research environment, and with rigorous work ethics. He/she should be able to deliver outputs (group meetings, scientific publications, presentations, and the dissertation) in the targeted timeframes, and according to the international standards of excellence.

The skill set sought in an ideal applicant includes:

•          Master degree in materials science, interface science chemistry or physical chemistry

•          Very good credit scores from the master’s degree

•          Strong interest in interface science, formulations, and emulsions.

•          Excellent oral communications and writing skills in both English and French.

•          Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.

•          Good organizational skills.

About the Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat - RC):

The Sustainable Materials Research Center (SusMat - RC) is a multidisciplinary research center engaged in the development of advanced biobased products and materials thereof using biotechnological, physical and chemical conversion strategies and engineering processes (b) understanding and controlling their underlying specific functionalities and the structure-properties relationship acting over multiple length scales from the molecular, nano to the macro level and their cross-interactions and (c) utilizing the gathered knowledge and the invented materials to address key technological challenges in Morocco and African continent and assist the transition toward a green and circular economy.

Candidate profile:

The ideal candidate should be strongly self-motivated, keen to innovate, can work well in an interdisciplinary research environment, and with rigorous work ethics. He/she should be able to deliver outputs (group meetings, scientific publications, presentations, and the dissertation) in the targeted timeframes, and according to the international standards of excellence.

The skill set sought in an ideal applicant includes:

•          Master degree in materials science, interface science chemistry or physical chemistry

•          Very good credit scores from the master’s degree

•          Strong interest in interface science, formulations, and emulsions.

•          Excellent oral communications and writing skills in both English and French.

•          Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.

•          Good organizational skills.