Postdoctoral Fellowship in Boron and Potassium Biogeochemistry in Eucalyptus Forests

Area of Specialization

Critical Zone is the “heterogeneous, near-surface environment in which complex interactions involving rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms regulate the natural habitat and determine availability of life-sustaining resources”. Its limits range from the top of the canopy down to the bottom of the aquifer. The successful applicant to this position will join the Global Critical Zone Science Chair to develop and conduct a research program to better understand forest nutrition and nutritional stress in Eucalyptus forest stands in Brazil.

Job Details

The Global Critical Zone Science Chair at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a two years postdoc fellowship (candidates from Moroccan or African universities). The successful applicant will conduct research on the boron and potassium biogeochemistry in the critical zone of instrumented sites in Brazil. He/She will be mostly based in Brazil. The different compartments of the system will be investigated (soil, vegetation, soil pore water, river water) in the framework of the in-situ research experiment described above. The work will be done in collaboration with international teams and teams in Brazil. Boron isotopic measurements will be made in Brazil at least in a routine phase. Collaboration will also associate the private sector in charge of the forest exploitations.

High precision isotopic measurements will be conducted. The candidate must have a background in either isotope geochemistry and if possible, an experience working with MCICPMS. The candidate is expected to adopt a system approach in its way to understand the behavior of boron and other nutrients in the studied agrosystems (/planted forestry systems). Modeling skills will be appreciated even if the main part of the postdoctoral work in field and lab-related. Writing skills are necessary as the results of the postdoctoral work will be published in high standard scientific journals.

Criteria of the Candidate

• PhD in environmental science, soil science, surface geochemistry, or related fields from a recognized Moroccan or African university.
• At least one or two high publications record in international well-ranked journals
• Significant knowledge in environmental science studies, including experienced in soil field work and abilities in isotopic geochemistry techniques and/or modeling capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Skilled in both field and lab work
• Proactive, ethic, and respectful person

Tentative Schedule

Year 1: Collection of flux data, B isotopic analysis, macro- and micronutrient analysis, monitoring, relationships between B and other nutrients, modelling.
Year 2: Continued monitoring, establishment of budgets, papers on Boron budget and dynamics, executive summary, final report.