Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa, aiming to position itself among the world’s leading universities in its fields. The University is committed to economic and human development and places research and innovation at the heart of Africa’s progress. This approach enables UM6P to strengthen Morocco’s leadership in these areas through a unique model based on partnerships and by fostering the development of skills essential for Africa’s future. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, at the heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to make a lasting impact at the national, continental, and global levels.
About ARC_AIR – African Research Center on Air Quality and Climate: The African Research Center on Air Quality and Climate (ARC_AIR) is a research unit within UM6P dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and innovative solutions in the fields of air quality, atmospheric chemistry, and climate. ARC_AIR’s mission is to support sustainable development in Africa through high-impact research, capacity building, and technology transfer. The center brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and students working on addressing environmental challenges such as industrial emissions, urban pollution, and climate change impacts. ARC_AIR also collaborates closely with national and international partners to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global atmospheric science and to develop tools and strategies that guide evidence-based policymaking.
About The PositionThe successful transition towards sustainable food systems requires not only technological innovation but also a deep understanding of human behavior, social acceptance, consumer preferences, and market dynamics.
Vertical Farming is emerging globally as a transformative solution capable of addressing critical challenges related to food security, climate change, water scarcity, urbanization, and agricultural sustainability. However, despite its technological maturity, the large-scale adoption of vertical farming products remains strongly dependent on consumer acceptance, stakeholder engagement, market readiness, and behavioral change.
To address these challenges, we are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Behavioral Sciences, Sociology, Psychology, Consumer Behavior, Innovation Studies, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Food Systems.
The selected candidate will contribute to the scientific understanding of market adoption mechanisms for vertical farming technologies while supporting the development of evidence-based marketing, commercialization, and innovation strategies.
This position offers a unique opportunity to generate high-impact scientific knowledge while contributing directly to the development of next-generation sustainable agriculture solutions in Morocco, Africa, and beyond.
Research and Innovation ObjectivesThe postdoctoral fellow will develop and lead an ambitious research agenda addressing the behavioral, social, economic, and innovation dimensions of vertical farming adoption.
The research program will focus on the following interconnected themes.
Research Theme 1: Social Acceptance of Vertical FarmingThe Candidate Will Investigate
Key Research Questions Include
Research Theme 2: Behavioral Sciences and Consumer Decision-MakingThe candidate will develop and test behavioral models explaining consumer adoption and purchasing intentions.
Potential Theoretical Frameworks Include
Research Activities May Include
Research Theme 3: Innovation and Market CreationThe candidate will investigate how new markets emerge around sustainable food innovations.
Topics May Include
Particular attention will be given to the Moroccan and African contexts.
Research Theme 4: Commercialization and Go-to-Market StrategiesThe postdoctoral fellow will contribute to the development of scientifically grounded commercialization strategies for vertical farming products.
Expected Outputs Include
Research MethodologyThe selected candidate is expected to employ advanced mixed-method approaches including Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Methods as well as Experimental and Behavioral Methods
Scientific Production and Research ExcellenceThe successful candidate is expected to contribute actively to the international scientific visibility of the institution.
Expected Scientific Outputs IncludePublicationsProduction Of
Target Publication Areas Include
Research Funding and Project DevelopmentThe Postdoctoral Fellow Will Contribute To
Innovation and Knowledge TransferThe Selected Candidate Will Actively Support
Candidate ProfileApplicants must hold a PhD obtained within the last five years in one of the following fields:
Application PackageApplicants must submit a single PDF file containing the following documents in the order listed below:
