AGBS - Postdoctoral Researcher in Anaerobic Bioprocess and Biogas Engineering for Agricultural Systems

AgroBioSciences Department (AgBS)

College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (CAES)

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University

Host program: College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, AgroBioSciences Program.

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Anaerobic Bioprocess and Biogas Engineering for Agricultural Systems.

Duration: 2 years (CDD).

About UM6P:

At the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development. This unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high-quality academics and professionals to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech. 

About AgroBioSciences (AgBS):

The AgroBioSciences (AgBS) program is a component of the Science & Technology pole of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It constitutes a structure of higher education and practical-based research with a vision of solving real African agriculture challenges by leveraging up-to-date science and technology.

The AgroBiosciences Program Research Center leverages up-to-date technologies to address African agriculture challenges. It is a multidisciplinary research center that aims to conduct relevant, cutting-edge research that positively impacts African agriculture. It is based on the collaboration and synergy of several research programs targeting diverse disciplines of research in agriculture, such as 

Microbiome, Omics, Plant Physiology and Crop Improvement, Plant Pathology, By-products Valorization, Soil Sciences, Agronomy, and Sustainable Farming…

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of anaerobic bioprocess and biogas engineering for agricultural systems to join our research team as postdoctoral researcher at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences within the AgroBioSciences Program at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir, Morocco. The successful candidate will work on a project aimed at optimizing anaerobic digestion processes, enhancing biogas production, and integrating these technologies into sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Selection and characterization of agricultural residue and conducted biochemical methane potential of each selected subtracts. 
• Conduct advanced research on anaerobic digestion processes, focusing on the conversion of agricultural waste into biogas and other valuable by-products.
• Develop and optimize anaerobic bioprocesses to improve yield, efficiency, and economic viability.
• Evaluation of the different anaerobic digestion parameters (VFAs, FOS/TAC, NH4+, COD….) and conducted mass and energy balance.
• Explore and design integration strategies for anaerobic digestion within agricultural systems, ensuring sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
• Analyze experimental data using advanced statistical and computational methods to draw meaningful conclusions and guide the research direction.
• Evaluation of biogas process using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and economic studies.
• Prepare high-quality research papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Prepare detailed reports and contribute to grant applications.
• Contribute on ongoing project related to anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and bioproducts.
• Mentor graduate students and interns, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Contribute to designing and installation of a biogas reactor for an agricultural system.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on anaerobic bioprocesses and biogas production.
• Demonstrated experience in anaerobic digestion, biogas engineering, and agricultural waste management. Prior experience in laboratory and pilot-scale research is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, proficiency in relevant software and modeling tools, and excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• A strong track record of publications in high-impact journals. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.