Research Engineer in Agronomy and Plant Physiology

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.

Job description:

African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is seeking applications for one year contract as Research Engineer in the field of Agronomy and Plant Physiology.

Candidates should hold a master's degree (Bac 5) in agronomy with a professional experience in plant physiology and biochemistry. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing scientific research in the laboratory/greenhouse and organize and carry out field work.

Key duties:

Successful candidate is expected to:

Assist in organizing and launching research activities in lab, greenhouse, and field.

Collect and analyse agronomic and physiological data and assist in preparing technical reports.

Contribute to general laboratory management and logistics, procurement, equipment diagnosis, safety, and security.

Mentor and assist graduate students in data collection and analysis.

Assist in organizing workshops, conferences, and laboratory and field visits

Criteria of the candidate :

Master's or PhD degree in agronomy, plant physiology, soil science, or related field from a recognized University.

Strong field and laboratory skills, ideally in plant physiology and biochemistry.

Strong expertise in irrigation and fertigation of horticultural crops like tomato, eggplant, zucchini.

Experience in phytopathology and insect rearing is a plus.

Able to carry out field work under desert-dry conditions.

Positive working attitude and ability to work both in a team and independently.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in French and English are required.

About ASARI (Hiring entity):

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-todate 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:

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.

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.

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

UM6P.