CRSA - Postdoctoral researcher in Isotope-Investigation of critical zones using isotopes techniques

About UM6P:

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.

About CRSA:

CRSA is a transversal structure across several UM6P Programs. Research within the center is organized around several major areas that aim to ensure the challenging Food and Water security goal in Africa, with a special focus on developing methods/tools that use multi-source remotely sensed data. The research aims to improve our understanding of the integrated functioning of continental surfaces and their interaction with climate and humans, with emphasis on sustainable management of natural resources (soil, land, water, agriculture) in the context of Climate Change. One of center’s goals is to provide a set of services and operational products to users (local, national and international) that aid in the decision support of water and food systems.

About IsoTrace:

Within the framework of the IsoTrace project, our team aims to rethink and adapt research, development, innovation and training to new paradigms to meet the future challenges for water sustainability.

Job description: 

The IsoTrace team is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to work with Advanced Applications of Water Isotope Techniques in Critical Zones such as coastal areas and vulnerable recharge areas in Morocco.

We are looking for a dynamic early career scientist for a postdoctoral research position focused on pushing the boundaries of water isotope applications in critical zones. The selected candidate will explore the intricate connections between water isotopes, environmental processes, and landscape evolution within critical zones (e.g. coastal areas, recharge areas and wetland), and investigate the role of isotopic tracers in understanding water fluxes and ecosystem responses in diverse critical zone environments.

Key Responsibilities:

- Utilize advanced stable water isotope techniques to unravel hydrological processes and residence times in critical zone landscapes.

- Investigate the influence of land use changes, climate variability, and geologic settings on water isotope signatures and ecosystem functioning.

- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate isotopic data into critical zone models and enhance environmental monitoring and management strategies.

- Conduct laboratory analyses and field work.

- Collaborate with local researcher from the college of agriculture, mainly IWRI and CRSA, as well as institutions and stakeholders to translate research findings into actionable water management strategies.

Qualifications:

- Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Geosciences, or related fields.

- Proficiency in water isotope sampling, analysis, and interpretation methodologies.

- Experience in fieldwork, data visualization, and collaboration across scientific disciplines.

- Strong analytical skills, publication record, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of water isotope research in critical zones.

- Excellent communication skills

- Demonstrated track record of scientific publications.