ASARI: Postdoc in botany and plant ecology

Place: UM6P Laayoune ASARI

Expected start date : April 2024

About ASARI

The African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI) launched by UM6P in Laayoune in 2020 within the Foum Eloued technopole project focuses on several research and development programs including biosaline agriculture, native species valorisation, camel value chain, water and renewable energy. The institute consists of a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, biochemists, molecular biologists, bioprocess specialists, animal scientist, etc to respond to regional challenges affecting marginal environments.

Job Summary

The postdoc will conduct research, prepare proposals, write reports and scientific papers to study the botany and ecology of native desert plant species of south of Morocco as well as their interaction of their ecosystems including the soil. The successful candidate will conduct field expeditions to collect plant and soil samples, characterize vegetation and their habitats as well as identifying plant species. 

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include but not limited to:

• Develop clear and strong methodology according to high standards in the field of plant ecology and botany.
• Conduct botanical expeditions to characterize native plant species of south of Morocco.
• Collect plant and soil samples and study interactives synergies between native species and their ecosystems.
• Identify plant species using botanical identification keys and AI tools.
• Elaborate plant and soil databases
• Conduct ethnobotanical field surveys
• Elaborate atlas botanical book including design and content
• Data scheduling, collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. 
• Supervise PhD and Master students as well as interns
• Project management including budget, materials, equipment, and staff

Additional responsibilities will include:

• Research proposal writing for external funding
• Report writing for research project
• Manuscript writing and publication in referee journal. 

The candidate will also be expected to help maintain all field and laboratory equipment, order supplies as needed, and help maintain research plot records and. Responsibilities also involve frequent travelling in desert environments at national and international level

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Ph.D. in plant ecology, botany, plant science, or a closely related field 
• Field based botanical research experience is essential.
• Expertise in of one of the following areas (please indicate in covering letter):
  • Botany
  • Plant ecology
  • Taxonomy
  • ethnobotany
• Good publications record in refereed journals
• Fluency in written and spoken English. French and Arabic will be a plus
• Experience in working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to initiate, conduct, and publish research in a scientific manner and to obtain external grant funding
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of statistics and database management
• Additional language skills, Arabic and French are desirable
• Supervisory experience