CUS - Postdoctoral Researcher in Earth Observation and Spatial Analytics for Urban Systems

About Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P): 

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.

About Centre for Urban Systems (CUS):

The CUS is a center dedicated to research, education, and innovation in the field of urban sciences. It uses Living Labs as a research and training environment to develop future urban leaders and to identify innovative solutions to complex urban challenges. CUS focuses on four pillars: research, education, expertise, and innovation, all aimed at improving urban management and citizens’ well-being.

Job Description

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the development of Earth Observation and spatial analytics approaches applied to the analysis and monitoring of urban environmental systems. The research will integrate geomatics, remote sensing, environmental geosciences, and artificial intelligence methods to investigate soil conditions, land-use dynamics, environmental processes, and urban ecosystem functioning.

This work aligns with the strategy of the Center for Urban Systems (CUS), which aims to promote sustainable, resilient, and data-driven urban development in Morocco and across Africa. The research will support the understanding and management of environmental challenges in urban areas, including land degradation, soil sealing, environmental risks, and the impacts of climate change on urban landscapes.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop Earth Observation based methodologies for monitoring urban environments, including soil conditions, land-use change, and environmental dynamics.
• Design and implement spatial analytics and geospatial modeling approaches to analyze urban environmental processes.
• Apply machine learning and geospatial data analysis techniques to large Earth Observation datasets.
• Produce high-quality scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and present research results at international conferences.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research projects within the CUS related to urban sustainability, environmental monitoring, and urban resilience.

Key Duties

• Develop spatial analysis tools and geospatial models for monitoring urban environmental indicators.
• Integrate multi-source Earth Observation data (satellite imagery, environmental datasets, geospatial databases) for urban analysis.
• Collaborate with academic partners, public institutions, and urban stakeholders to support sustainable urban planning strategies.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and respond to national and international research funding calls.
• Prepare scientific articles, technical reports, and policy-oriented documents to disseminate research findings.

REQUIRED PROFILE

• Ph.D. in Geomatics, Earth Observation, Environmental Geosciences, Geography or a related field.
• Proven experience in remote sensing, spatial analysis, and geospatial modeling applied to environmental or urban systems.
• Strong expertise in geospatial data analysis and machine learning techniques applied to Earth Observation data.
• Proficiency in geospatial software and platforms such as QGIS, ArcGIS, or Google Earth Engine.
• Programming skills in Python or similar scientific computing environments, with experience in geospatial and machine learning libraries.

SKILLS AND QUALITIES

• Strong scientific rigor and autonomy in conducting research activities.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
• Initiative, scientific creativity, and a strong sense of innovation.
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact with academic and institutional partners.
• Strong commitment to scientific integrity and professional ethics.