SuRE In Lab - Postdoctoral Researcher in Coastal Design, Blue Economy Innovation, Luxury Tourism

Postdoctoral Researcher (PostDoc) in Coastal Design, Blue Economy Innovation, Luxury Tourism & Yachting Development

Position Overview

The Sustainable Real Estate Innovation Lab (SuRE In Lab) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Morocco) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with strong expertise in design-driven approaches to coastal development, sustainable tourism, and the yachting sector.

The position aims to reinforce the laboratory’s interdisciplinary team and contribute to the refinement of the ongoing project “Sustainable Tourism Development: Blueprint for a Green Luxury Yacht Cluster in the Tétouan Region.”

The selected candidate will focus on design, spatial thinking, and applied project development, supporting innovative visions for marine-related real estate, nautical infrastructures, luxury tourism concepts, and coastal territorial transformation.

This PostDoc will integrate architectural, spatial, and service-design methodologies into blue economy and yachting development strategies, ensuring both pragmatic feasibility and visionary sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct leadership of the Director of SuRE In Lab the candidate will develop the design-oriented components of the project, including:

a. Concept Design for Coastal and Nautical Environments

• Develop spatial concepts, design scenarios, and architectural visions for coastal areas, marinas, and yacht-cluster infrastructures.
• Produce design frameworks integrating:
  • Green marina models
  • Eco-resorts and luxury tourism facilities
  • Coastal public-space networks
  • Biodiversity-conscious infrastructures
• Explore adaptive and resilient coastal design strategies in response to climate, environmental, and socio-economic pressures.

b. Design of Services, Experiences & User Journeys

• Conceive innovative tourism and yachting service models, integrating:
  • Luxury sustainable tourism facilities (land side and sea side)
  • Community-inclusive coastal experiences
  • Smart marina services and digital interfaces
  • Mobility and accessibility systems for coastal visitors and yacht clients
• Map and re-design user journeys for tourists, yacht owners, crews, and local communities.

c. Architectural & Spatial Integration of the Yachting Industry

• Develop spatial models and layout concepts for:
  • Shipbuilding and repair facilities
  • Marina technical zones
  • Yachting logistics hubs
  • Waterfront regeneration areas
• Propose sustainable materials, low-impact construction solutions, and ecological design guidelines.

d. Systems Integration & Territorial Visioning

• Produce territorial design visions aligning:
  • Blue economy strategies
  • Coastal real-estate development
  • Tourism infrastructure
  • Maritime cultural and heritage enhancement
• Support the creation of the Green Luxury Yacht Cluster design blueprint with spatial, infrastructural, and operational clarity.

2. Applied Design Research & Innovation

• Develop design-driven research outputs, including vision books, masterplans, spatial analyses, and conceptual diagrams.
• Integrate interdisciplinary methods combining architecture, landscape design, service design, and coastal planning.
• Contribute creative insights into SuRE In Lab’s portfolio on sustainable and regenerative real-estate innovation.

3. Project Development, Prototyping & Visualization

• Create high-quality visual materials:
• Concept drawings, maps, 3D models, renderings, and infographics.
• Support prototyping of innovative marina or coastal solutions (physical or digital).
• Collaborate with engineers, tourism experts, and environmental scientists to ensure feasibility.

4. Dissemination & Capacity Building

• Present design and research outputs through exhibitions, visual reports, and conferences.
• Support teaching or mentoring related to:
  • Sustainable coastal design
  • Architectural innovation in blue economy contexts
  • Responsible tourism development
• Produce visual guidelines, toolkits, and manuals.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Industrial/Product Design, Service Design, Spatial Planning, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in coastal, maritime, or waterfront design (professional or academic).
• Strong design and visualization skills (manual or digital).
• Experience working in interdisciplinary settings (tourism, environmental sciences, maritime sectors).
• Excellent portfolio showcasing spatial creativity, technical rigor, and sustainability-oriented design.
• Strong written and visual communication skills.
• Fluency in English and French. Italian is an asset.

Desired Additional Skills

Proficiency with 3D modeling (Rhino, Revit, SketchUp, etc.) and rendering tools.

• Experience with GIS, coastal modelling, or environmental design tools.
• Knowledge of marina design, yacht-related infrastructures, or shipyard spatial planning.
• Familiarity with ecological design, climate adaptation strategies, or regenerative coastal landscapes.
• Ability to develop masterplans, design guidelines, or spatial strategies at multiple scales.