"Postdoctoral Researcher in Biological Control of Legume Diseases Using Microalgae–Phosphite–Based Strategies"

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.

Host Program

AgroBiosciences Program of the College of agriculture and environmental sciences, Benguerir.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team on an innovative project focusing on the biological control of legume diseases using microalgae–phosphite–based strategies. The selected candidate will lead and contribute to research integrating plant pathology, microbial biotechnology, and molecular biology to explore and validate the potential of microalgae in controlling soilborne pathogens.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of applied microbiology and plant health, contributing to sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly plant protection solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in vitro and in vivo screening of microalgae strains for their antagonistic activity against major legume pathogens.
• Develop and optimize laboratory assays for evaluating disease suppression, plant growth promotion, and bioactive metabolite production.
• Characterize the mode of action of selected microalgae strains.
• Apply molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, sequencing) for the identification and phylogenetic analysis of microalgae and target pathogens.
• Supervise and mentor MSc and PhD students involved in related research activities, providing guidance in experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
• Contribute to grant writing, proposal development, and scientific publications and communication to expand the scope and visibility of the research.
• Contribute to the management of plant pathology platforms and collections, ensuring biosafety, pathogen traceability, and resource conservation.
• Coordinate collaborative research projects and capacity-building activities with national and African partners, addressing crop health challenges of regional importance

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Protection, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a closely related field
• Proven experience in vitro screening of microbial agents (fungi, bacteria, or algae) against plant pathogens.
• Practical knowledge of plant-microbe interactions, especially in relation to legume crops and soilborne diseases.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques (PCR, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, sequencing).
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills in both written and spoken English and French, with a good record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.