UM6P- CEDoc- CSAES

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.

UM6P- CEDoc – CSAES - IWRI:

PhD Position in Hydrological Complexity and Water Sustainability in Coastal Aquifers under Arid and Semi-Arid Conditions

Institution: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

Department: International Water Research Institute (IWRI)

Location: Benguerir, Morocco

About UM6P:

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an internationally oriented institution committed to the highest standards of teaching and research, focusing on the sustainable economic development of Morocco and Africa. UM6P emphasizes applied research and innovation, aiming to become a leading university of international standing with a specific focus on Africa. The university offers a high-quality living and study environment, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, and fosters an innovative approach that places research and innovation at the core of its educational model.

About IWRI:

The International Water Research Institute (IWRI) at UM6P is dedicated to addressing future challenges in water and climate through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary education and research programs. IWRI aspires to be an African Water Hub, promoting strategic cooperation and partnerships. The institute focuses on:

1. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
2. Development of advanced water technologies (irrigation, water supply and sanitation, desalination, wastewater treatment and reuse)
3. Hydro-informatics
4. Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies

PhD Research Project Overview:

This PhD position will contribute to a research project focused on the hydrological complexity and sustainability of water resources in coastal aquifers. The research aims to develop a coupled modeling framework integrating surface water and groundwater interactions, with a strong emphasis on understanding the impact of anthropogenic pressures and climate change on the coastal water balance. The project will combine state-of-the-art hydrological modeling tools with field-based investigations and geospatial analyses in a coastal Moroccan catchment.

Key duties:

The PhD candidate will be expected to:

• Carry out research activities in collaboration with the project team
• Conduct fieldwork to gather complementary data for model calibration and validation
• Develop, calibrate, and validate hydrological and groundwater models (e.g., SWAT, MODFLOW)
• Integrate these models to simulate surface–groundwater interactions
• Assess the impacts of land use, groundwater abstraction, and climate variability on water sustainability
• Utilize remote sensing, GIS, and environmental isotopes for system understanding
• Present findings at international scientific conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications

Qualifications:

• MSc or Engineering degree in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Hydro-informatics, or related disciplines
• Solid understanding of hydrological processes and numerical modeling
• Experience with hydrological modeling tools (e.g., SWAT, MODFLOW or similar hydrological models)
• Proficiency in programming and data analysis (preferably Python or R)
• Familiarity with geospatial tools (GIS, remote sensing)
• Good grasp of quantitative methods (e.g., optimization, simulation, statistics)
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and scientific writing skills
• Proficiency in English and French
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary research environment

Applications and selection procedure:

Interested candidates should submit their application via the UM6P hiring platform. The application file must include:

• A cover letter outlining the candidate's interest in the position, research motivations, and relevant experience
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• Contact information for two academic or professional referees

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

UM6P.