About the Role
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Researcher to join the AgBS (Agricultural Biosystems) research program, focused on advancing crop yield prediction and modeling across Africa. This position is embedded within a world-class research institution dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and solving Africa's most pressing agricultural challenges through cutting-edge science and technology.
The successful candidate will contribute to high-impact research that leverages remote sensing, machine learning, climate data analytics, and crop simulation models to improve agricultural forecasting and food security planning across the continent.
Core Responsibilities
- Develop and refine predictive models for crop yield estimation using remote sensing data, climate variables, and agronomic datasets
- Integrate machine learning and statistical modeling techniques into existing crop forecasting frameworks
- Analyze large-scale Earth observation datasets (satellite imagery, weather data, soil moisture indices) for agricultural applications
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including agronomists, data scientists, climate scientists, and policy experts
- Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences
- Contribute to the development of open-source tools and platforms for crop monitoring and yield forecasting in African contexts
- Support the supervision of graduate students and junior researchers within the AgBS program
- Engage with stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to ensure research outputs translate into actionable insights
- Write research proposals and contribute to securing external funding from international organizations and development agencies
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Engineering, Remote Sensing, Data Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated experience in crop modeling, yield prediction, or agricultural systems analysis
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB for data analysis and model development
- Strong background in geospatial analysis and experience with GIS tools (QGIS, ArcGIS) and remote sensing platforms (Google Earth Engine, Sentinel, MODIS)
- Experience working with climate and weather datasets (e.g., ERA5, CHIRPS, CMIP6)
- Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant scientific journals
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in French or Arabic is an asset
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple research tasks in a fast-paced, international research environment
Preferred Skills
- Experience with crop simulation models such as DSSAT, APSIM, or STICS
- Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) applied to geospatial or agricultural data
- Knowledge of African agricultural systems, smallholder farming dynamics, and food security challenges
- Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Google Cloud) for large-scale data processing
- Background in uncertainty quantification and ensemble modeling approaches
- Prior involvement in international research collaborations or development projects in Africa
- Understanding of precision agriculture technologies and their application in resource-limited settings
What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out
- Work at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, one of Africa's most innovative and forward-thinking research institutions, located in the green city of Ben Guerir, Morocco
- Be part of a mission-driven research program that directly addresses food security and climate resilience across the African continent
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, high-performance computing infrastructure, and extensive satellite data resources
- Collaborative, multicultural research environment with opportunities to engage with leading international scientists and institutions
- Competitive compensation package with benefits, including relocation support and research travel funding
- Opportunity to shape evidence-based agricultural policy and make a tangible impact on millions of smallholder farmers across Africa