Postdoctoral Researcher

ABOUT UM6P

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a world-class institution that seeks to foster the development of skilled manpower and natural resources in Morocco and Africa. UM6P has robust teaching and research programs with a base of cutting-edge research facilities and has accomplished researchers who work in partnership with research institutions and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to local and international challenges. Currently, UM6P is developing innovative tools to solve the eminent challenges related to livestock production, including challenges related to feed scarcity, stress, and environmental footprint. For this purpose, the UM6P trains highly skilled professionals in a pool of doctoral and postdoctoral fellows to provide specialized solutions to optimize production and preserve the environment.

ABOUT ASARI

The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) is a component of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It is located in Laayoune City and constitutes a structure of practical-based research with a vision of solving local, regional, and African agriculture challenges by leveraging up-to-date science and technology. Oriented towards Africa, ASARI acts in connection with a wide network of universities and research centers around the continent to link real field issues with up-to-date science. The institute consists of a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, biochemists, molecular biologists, bioprocess specialists, animal scientists, etc., to respond to regional challenges affecting marginal environments.

JOB SUMMARY

ASARI is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher holding a PhD in Zootechny, Animal Nutrition or Pastoralism to join its Animal Sciences team and contribute to the development and implementation of research projects focusing on small ruminants (particularly goats) and large livestock species (camels). The successful candidate will be involved in conducting applied and fundamental research, preparing competitive research proposals, and authoring technical reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications addressing key challenges in agricultural and livestock production systems.

This position will involve research activities in animal production, including animal nutrition, forage crop valorization, feed and diet formulation, and rangeland management. Where appropriate, the candidate will design and conduct field surveys, collect and analyze data, and engage directly with farming communities. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to actively contribute to ongoing projects at UM6P Laayoune within the African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI). Fieldwork will be an integral component of the position, with particular emphasis on working with farmers, to ensure that research outputs have practical and socioeconomic impacts.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Ph.D. in zootechny or animal production
• Field based livestock research experience
• Expertise in one of the following areas (please indicate in covering letter): Feed formulation, Alternative feed resources, Forage analyses, Camel production, Dairy management, Milk and meat analyses, Livestock systems
• Experience in working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to initiate, conduct, and publish research in high impactful journals and to obtain external grant funding
• Working knowledge of statistics and database management including meta-analyses and modelling.
• Supervisory experience
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills especially with different stakeholders such as farmers
• Fluency in written and spoken English. French and Arabic will be a plus

JOB RESPONSABILITIES

• Set up dashboards and monitoring indicators for animal production including camels and goats
• Support the production and management team in animal feeding and health monitoring
• Conduct forage analyses and formulate feed rations
• Conduct livestock feeding trials and monitor the nutritional status of the animals.
• Develop new animal feed from new and alternative feed resources.
• Assist in developing training programs and modules.
• Develop and deliver training modules to farmers, cooperatives, extension agents, etc.
• Data scheduling, collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
• Co-supervise PhD and Master students as well as interns
• Project management including budget, materials, equipment, and staff
• Research proposal writing for external funding
• Report writing for research project
• Manuscript writing and publication in referee journal