UM6P CEDOC-ASARI : Phenotyping of cereals and legumes for drought and salinity tolerance in marginal - Benguerir

The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Laayoune is seeking applications for a full-time PhD thesis in the field of Agronomy and Crop Physiology.

The appointed candidate is expected to conduct field and greenhouse experiments, collect and analyze data, and publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. The successful candidate is expected to participate in an interdisciplinary team to screen and characterize cereal and legume germplasm for drought and salinity tolerance in arid and semi-arid conditions of Morocco.

Key duties:

1.         Design and carry out laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments to select the adapted germplasm to local conditions;

2.         Determine the agronomic and physiological responses of different crops to drought and salinity treatments;

3.         Investigate the genetic diversity and gene expression of different germplasms subject to drought and salinity stresses;

4.         Collect and analyze data and submit papers for publication.

Requirements:

•          Candidates should hold a Master or engineer degree in the field of agronomy, crop science, soil science or closely related fields. Priority will be given to the candidates having research experience in crop physiology, plant breeding, and plant genetics;

•          Interest in and ability to interact, collaborate, and engage professionally with the interdisciplinary research teams and labs across the university;

•          Ability to interact and communicate with local farmers in the southern regions of Morocco;

•          English communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

About ASARI

The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It is located in Laayoune City and constitutes a structure of practical-based research with a vision of solving real Local, Regional, and African agriculture challenges leveraging up-to-date science and technology.

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 consists of a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, biochemists, molecular biologists, bioprocess specialists, animal scientist, etc to respond to regional challenges affecting marginal environments. ASARI is composed of three main research programs:

1. AgriBioTechnology program 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 reproduction with a positive impact on the African agriculture.

2. Water treatment and management program which is oriented towards the development of cost-effective desalinization processes for agriculture use and water treatment, management and analysis.

3. Renewable energy program that is aiming to develop new approaches for the production of clean energy to address real local and regional challenges.

About the employer

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. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

Requirements:

•          Candidates should hold a Master or engineer degree in the field of agronomy, crop science, soil science or closely related fields. Priority will be given to the candidates having research experience in crop physiology, plant breeding, and plant genetics;

•          Interest in and ability to interact, collaborate, and engage professionally with the interdisciplinary research teams and labs across the university;

•          Ability to interact and communicate with local farmers in the southern regions of Morocco;

•          English communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.