GCZSC - Professor in Environnemental Molecular Physico-Chemistry

KU Leuven; Occitanie; Sur place; EUR 50 000 - 90 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An innovative institution is seeking a full-time professor in Environmental Molecular Physico-Chemistry to join their Global Critical Zone Science Chair. This role involves conducting cutting-edge research on soil chemistry and its implications for sustainable agriculture. The successful candidate will integrate advanced spectroscopy techniques and computational methods to explore the interactions between water and soil solids. With a focus on addressing critical environmental challenges, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research and teaching in a vibrant academic environment. Candidates should possess a strong publication record and excellent communication skills in English, alongside a commitment to collaborative and interdisciplinary work.

Qualifications

• PhD in environmental science or related fields required.
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience expected.

Responsabilités

• Develop and lead joint research projects in geochemistry.
• Teach graduate courses and supervise postdoctoral students.

Connaissances

Environmental Soil Chemistry

Biogeochemistry

Molecular Physico-Chemistry

Geochemistry

Research Leadership

English Communication

Formation

PhD in Environmental Science

Postdoctoral Research Experience

Outils

X-ray Spectroscopy

Vibrational Spectroscopy

Electron Microscopy

Computational Approaches

Description du poste

GCZSC - Professor in Environmental Molecular Physico-Chemistry

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation with a focus on Africa.

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with an international standard, is established to serve Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development. This unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high quality academics and professionals in order to boost its quality-oriented research environment.

UM6P is a very ambitious university, enjoying ample research funding, moderate teaching load, and excellent facilities.

In its research approach, the UM6P promotes transdisciplinary, entrepreneurship spirit and collaboration with external institutions, both international ones for developing up to date science and at continent level to address real African challenges.

The research programs are integrated from long-term research to short-term applications in linkage with incubation and start-up ecosystems.

UM6P offers highly competitive salaries at the international level. Our researchers get incentives through participation to the intellectual property they develop.

About the Global Critical Zone Science Chair:

The Global Critical Zone Science Chair at Institut For Advanced Studies (IAS) at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is sponsored by OCP and was created with the mandate of developing the science that will support the sustainable use of our soils to build healthier ecosystems, particularly in the African continent. Soils are the connector of our major societal challenges, namely: food security, water security, energy security, loss of biodiversity and climate change.

The Chair is part of the Institute for Advanced Studies within the university and it is a multidisciplinary project by nature. It will promote the understanding of soils as a complex system by bringing cutting-edge multidisciplinary research to understand the links and feedbacks between soils and food systems, global warming, greenhouse gases, water cycle, and biodiversity, without forgetting the economic and social aspects.

The successful applicant to this position will join the Global Critical Zone Science Chair to develop and conduct a research program to strengthen the understanding of the geological processes that created the different soils and how they govern water, air, and C, N, P, and other elements, biogeochemical cycling within the critical zone.

The successful candidate must understand the roles of water and atmospheric physics and chemistry in forming soils (top and deep soils) and how the use of the topsoil for agriculture interacts with geochemical processes. The candidate is expected to bridge the gaps between the atomic world and the critical zone.

The successful candidate must provide scientific support to the other members of the Chair in terms of mineralogy, geochemical cycling, biogeochemistry, Earth surface processes. He/she must have a good understanding of paleoclimatology to model and predict future scenarios for agriculture in face of climate change.

The Global Critical Zone Science Chair at Institut for Advanced Studies (IAS) at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) invites applications for a full-time professor position in Environmental Molecular Physico-Chemistry (open rank). The successful applicant will conduct research in molecular physico-chemistry aiming to understand and model the water-solids interactions processes in the designing and development of sustainable agricultural systems.

The appointed professor will develop an internationally recognized research program integrating advanced X-ray & vibrational spectroscopy, electron microscopic, and computational approaches to study the chemical speciation, bioavailability, and environmental fate of metals and metalloids in soil-plant systems.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record in environmental soil chemistry, biogeochemistry, or related disciplines, with an emphasis on synchrotron-based techniques, molecular-scale investigations, and sustainable agricultural practices.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to advancements in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection through molecular-level insights into soil chemistry.

Other duties include advising students and postdocs, teaching graduate courses at UM6P, supporting the overall activities of the Chair, and maintaining a close relationship with the Chair’s scientific committee.

Evidence of research and teaching excellence is expected. Strong English communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.

Successful candidates are expected to:

1. Initiate, develop, and lead joint research projects and programs in geochemistry in collaboration with a multidisciplinary consortium in the field.
2. Generate external research funds to support and maintain integrated research programs.
3. Establish collaboration and partnerships with great international scientific institutes.
4. Supervise postdoctoral students, develop teaching materials, and attract high-level students.
5. Publish in well-ranked and high-impact-factor journals.
6. Teach and develop research regarding the principles of physico-chemistry; geochemistry; biogeochemical cycling of elements; and fundamental biological and chemical processes controlling organic carbon sequestration in the soil.

Criteria of the candidate:

1. PhD in environmental science, soil science, surface geochemistry, molecular physico-chemistry, nanoscience and nanotechnologies or related fields from a recognized university.
2. At least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience in environmental sciences within the above-mentioned subjects, preferably with international experience.
3. High publication record in international well-ranked journals (at least 10 publications in the last 3 years).
4. Significant research record and leadership in molecular environmental science studies.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
6. Skilled in both field and lab work.
7. Good record of funding.
8. Proactive, ethical, and respectful person.
9. Organizational dexterity, ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
10. Maintains a positive attitude in fast-paced changing environments.