PhD Candidate

PhD Candidate – Urban Agriculture & Vertical Farming for Sustainable Territorial Regeneration and Air Quality Improvement

Context :

Urban centers in semi-arid and arid regions are increasingly facing the combined pressures of climate change, air pollution, urban sprawl, and food insecurity. At the same time, there is growing global interest in sustainable urban transformation strategies that enhance resilience, equity, and environmental health.

Urban agriculture and vertical farming have emerged as innovative, nature-based solutions for regenerating degraded urban spaces. These systems can produce fresh food locally, reduce urban heat, increase green cover, and potentially improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and reducing emissions from food transport. This doctoral research is part of a broader vision to explore territorial regeneration as a multidisciplinary approach integrating agronomic innovation, urban design, and environmental science. The project will contribute to the scientific understanding and practical implementation of urban green infrastructures that offer both ecological and social benefits in cities.

The selected candidate will explore how urban farming systems — especially vertical or modular designs — can be adapted for semi-arid urban climates, support urban food resilience, and act as functional tools to mitigate air pollution through plant-based filtering, reduced surface dust, and lower carbon emissions.

Project Description :

The African Research Center on Air Quality and Climate (ARC_Air) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is offering PhD position as part of a strategic research initiative focused on territorial regeneration through urban agriculture and vertical farming.

This PhD research will explore how innovative farming systems integrated within urban settings can serve as tools for environmental regeneration, particularly in more vulnerable regions where land degradation, pollution, and food insecurity intersect. The project will investigate how urban agriculture and vertical farming can contribute not only to sustainable food systems, but also to air quality improvement through their direct and indirect effects on the urban environment.

The selected candidate will design, implement, and evaluate a prototype vertical farming unit, adapted to local climate and urban context, and conduct a comprehensive assessment of its agronomic performance and environmental impact, particularly focusing on air purification potential.

Research Objectives :

• Design a prototype vertical farming unit for urban settings.
• Evaluate crop productivity and resource efficiency.
• Measure the impact of urban farming on air quality and climate.
• Assess the role of green infrastructure in regenerating urban spaces.
• Support territorial planning with scientific and technical insights.

Candidate Profile :

• Academic Background: Engineer or master's degree in agronomy, agricultural engineering, or a closely related field.
• Skills Required:
  • Strong knowledge in plant science, hydroponics/aquaponics, and urban agriculture systems.
  • Ability to design and build experimental setups or prototypes.
  • Interest or experience in environmental monitoring and air quality analysis.
  • Basic knowledge in GIS, remote sensing, AI, and programming languages.
• Soft Skills: Creativity, problem-solving mindset, and strong communication abilities.

To Apply :

Applicants should submit a CV, a letter of motivation, two letters of recommendation, and a research statement outlining the candidate's proposed contributions to the project.

Additional Information :

Thesis directors: Prof. Hicham BAHI

African Research Center on Air Quality and Climate (ARC_AIR)