Soil surface mineralogy assessment using hyperspectral remote sensing

About UM6P

University Mohammed VI Polytechnic 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 CRSA

Center for Remote Sensing Application (CRSA) is a transversal structure across several UM6P Programs. Research within CRSA is organized around several major areas that aim to ensure the challenging Food and Water security goal in Africa, with a special focus on developing methods/tools that use multi-source remotely sensed data. The research aims to improve our understanding of the integrated functioning of continental surfaces and their interaction with climate and humans, with emphasis on sustainable management of natural resources (soil, land, water, agriculture) in the context of Climate Change. One of center’s goals is to provide a set of services and operational products to users (local, national and international) that aid in the decision support of water and food systems.

Research topic

We are recruiting a talented and enthusiastic PhD candidate to lead groundbreaking research on the characterization of soil surface mineralogy in drylands using hyperspectral remote sensing. The primary objective of this project is to advance our understanding of the mineralogical composition of drylands at global scale, which has profound implications for climate modeling, air quality assessments, and ecosystem health.

Job description

The successful candidate will design and implement innovative approaches to analyze hyperspectral data, focusing on identifying key soil minerals in drylands around the world. Responsibilities include processing satellite hyperspectral imagery, developing spectral libraries for dryland soils, conducting fieldwork to validate remote sensing results, and collaborating with, soil and climate scientists and geologists. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB), and experience with remote sensing tools and geospatial data processing.

Key duties

A successful candidate is expected to: 

• Develop frameworks soil surface mineralogy using hyperspectral data at regional and global scale.
• Process large-scale geospatial and remote sensing and soil datasets.
• Conduct data analysis, and prepare reports, ensuring results are published in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
• Actively participate in scientific events, including workshops and conferences, to present findings and engage with the broader research community.

Criteria of the candidate

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Agronomy, Soil Science, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science or a related field.
• Strong experience in Soil sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, pedology).
• Demonstrated experience in advanced digital soil mapping and remote sensing.
• Advances programming (e.g., Python, R) and GIS tools (e.g., QGIS) experience.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong publication record related to current position.

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