IWRI - Postdoctoral researcher in Bioinspired circular conversion of multi-source biomass feedstocks for water-retentive agricultural systems

Host Institute: Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), International Water Research Institute (IWRI)

Field: Bioinspired Chemistry, Sustainable Materials, Water & Soil Interfaces

Project Overview

The International Water Research Institute (IWRI) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary research program dedicated to the development of bioinspired, circular-economy-driven materials for water retention, soil hydration, and sustainable agriculture.

The project aims to design next-generation supramolecular materials derived from biomass for applications in water stress mitigation, nutrient retention, and soil regeneration. This work directly contributes to water scarcity resilience and climate-smart agriculture.

Job Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in sustainable processing of multi-source biomass feedstocks and/or development of biobased/bio-inspired materials.
• Strong experience in Biopolymers, modification, and supramolecular assembly.
• Experience in developing biobased hydrogels or hydrated colloidal systems for water retention, soil improvement, or controlled release applications.
• Experience with biostimulants or eco-friendly soil conditioners is an asset.
• Hands-on experience with physicochemical characterization techniques such as FTIR, UV–Vis, XRD, DLS, SEM–EDS, TEM, TGA/DSC.
• Experience with greenhouse or laboratory experiments evaluating water retention, soil hydration, plant germination, or agronomic performance under water stress.
• Proven capacity to publish peer-reviewed scientific papers and deliver technical reports.
• Good publication track record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong communication skills in English (written and oral).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Excellent networking ability and organizational skills.
• Experience in co-supervision and coordination of master/PhD students.
• Commitment to lab safety and research integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct original, internationally competitive research on bioinspired materials, biostimulant matrices and water-retentive biobased systems for enhanced water–nutrient coupling.
• Develop nutrient (N, P)-enriched biostimulant matrices for enhanced water–nutrient coupling and improved plant nutrition.
• Design, synthesize, and optimize functional materials derived from renewable feedstock (marine and lignocellulosic) for applications in water retention, soil hydration, and nutrient stabilization.
• Conduct full physicochemical characterization: FTIR, UV–Vis, XRD, DLS, SEM–EDS, TEM, TGA/DSC.
• Prepare, submit, and publish high-impact peer-reviewed scientific articles, and present research findings at international conferences, workshops, and scientific meetings.
• Mentor and co-supervise Master’s and PhD students within the framework of research activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers to reinforce interdisciplinary synergies across water sciences, materials chemistry, and sustainable agriculture.
• Communicate regularly with the research project team regarding the development, progress, challenges, and outcomes of research activities.
• Identify and implement areas of improvement within research workflows using integrated and statistical management approaches (DOE, optimization strategies) to strengthen capacity building and scientific rigor.
• Contribute actively to the preparation of research proposals for national and international competitive funding opportunities.
• Contribute to water-related innovation, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary projects at IWRI.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research statement
• List of publications
• Two references