Geo-Ocean’s scientific and technical skills are broken down into research topics with a strong emphasis in national and international collaboration, particularly in Europe and with industry. The Research Unit is largely involved in projects in support of French public policies, particularly in the context of mineral resources. The major scientific and societal challenges being addressed by Geo-Ocean are
- To observe, understand and model our coastal systems in order to better manage and protect them in the face of climate change and cumulative anthropogenic impacts
- To push the boundaries of observation and understanding of active processes (tectonic, volcanic, sedimentary, and chemical) in the marine environment
- To define and understand the heterogeneities, dynamics, and interactions within the Earth and their impact on the geodynamics and vertical motions of the ocean domains
- To identify the relationships between living organisms and their geological environment at all temporal and spatial scales
- To guide society’s access to marine resources in a sustainable and responsible manner
Within Geo-Ocean, the “Biogeochemical Cycles And Resources” (CYBER) team investigates the fluxes of matter and energy between the oceanic lithosphere and the hydrosphere. Research activities on these oceanic reservoirs and interfaces are carried out using geological, geochemical and numerical approaches in order to understand the exchanges and transfer mechanisms from the crust to the open ocean, and the formation of potential deep-sea resources (e.g. mineral resources, natural hydrogen). The team is also interested in studying biogeochemical cycles in the deep ocean and Early Earth. The team integrates a strong technical component in the fields of in situ and ex situ physico-chemical measurements, and the development of biogeochemical tracers in the water column, fluids, sediments and rocks.
The Project
IFREMER holds, on behalf of France, two exploration contracts with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), including one contract for the exploration of polymetallic sulphides on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The exploration of the French contracts is now carried out in the framework of the Exploration Mission n°1 of the Deep-sea objective of France “France 2030” plan. The scope of the Exploration Mission n°1 (referred to as “Projet Mission DMA et CCZ”) and the conditions of funding are defined in a contract between “l’Agence Nationale de la Recherche” (ANR) and IFREMER which runs until 24 March 2027.
General tasks
Under the authority of the head of the CYBER laboratory and supporting the Coordinator – France 2030 deep sea, who is also the Project Manager of the Deep Sea Mineral resources and “Projet Mission DMA et CCZ” projects, you will act as the geosciences scientific and technical lead of the exploration programme on the mid-Atlantic ridge, as defined in the exploration contract signed in 2014 between Ifremer and the ISA, whilst also contributing in your research field to the exploration and research activities.
Through your research work on the use of data collected within the context of the Deepsea mineral ressources and “Projet Mission DMA et CCZ” projects:
- You contribute to the excellence of the Research Unit in one or more of the following areas: hydrogeological modeling and the study of fluid dynamics across the ocean/lithosphere interface, heat and mass fluxes quantification, investigation of time series data obtained using deep submergence vehicles and instruments.
- You are a driving force in the development of innovative deep-sea exploration methods, in particular in Mid-Ocean ridges contexts.
Main activities
- You actively contribute to the definition and the implementation of the scientific and technological strategy of the deep-sea minerals and “Projet Mission DMA et CCZ” projects.
- You coordinate the scientific tasks and activities of the geosciences part of the work plan of the exploration contract for polymetallic sulphides on the mid-Atlantic ridge. As such, in collaboration with the relevant laboratory and research units that have responsibility over human resources, you identifie and ensure participation of the scientific and technological resources required to implement the project activities. You also liaise with the scientific team to plan the geosciences component of the polymetallic sulphides exploration contract budget and track its good implementation.
- You bring your skills and expertise for the study of the Ocean-Lithosphere interactions in the deep-sea, the dynamics of the associated fluid circulations as well as their impacts on the global ocean cycles and the active volcanic/tectonic processes.
- You lead the scientific coordination within Ifremer with the other projects working on similar scientific questions and in similar locations.
- You draft and consolidate the scientific and technological components, including the relevant data, of the deliverables due to both the ISA and the ANR.
- You participate and/or lead exploration campaigns conducted by the unit in the framework of fundamental research projects, support to public authorities and industrial collaborations related to the scope of IFREMER contribution to France 2030 Deep Sea programme.
- You demonstrate an ability to supervise students of all levels and post-docs, to write publications and to respond to calls for projects.
- You contribute to the development of a culture of innovation within the unit by taking an interest in the potential for industrial transfers, in particular via Ifremer’s internal tools (e.g. Institut Carnot MERS).
Relationship fields
In house: You will work in a multidisciplinary team within CYBER as well as other research/technical teams within GEO-OCEAN (ANTIPOD, GIPS and ALMA), the Coordinator – France 2030 deep sea, Biology and Ecology of Deep-sea Ecosystems (BEEP) research unit, Technology Research and Development (RDT) research unit, the IRSI department (Research Infrastructures and Information Systems) and functional management departments.
Externally: You will be required to collaborate with fellow researchers in marine sciences within the French and international community, as well as with external industrial partners and/or international organisations such as the ISA depending on participation in collaborative projects with Geo-Ocean.
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
Initial training, professional experience and specific skills:
- PhD in marine geosciences, in particular in marine geophysics or a related field
- Knowledge / expertise in measurement and modelling techniques of fluid circulations in porous materials
- Experience in data analysis of large data sets coming from subsea vehicles, sensors and in-situ measurements.
- Research experience demonstrating an ability to publish research
- Strong experience and track-record of signal processing and study of multidisciplinary data
Personal qualities (interpersonal skills):
- Dynamic, highly motivated
- Scientific leadership
- Team player, interested in teamwork, especially multidisciplinary
- Desire to develop new technologies and techniques for geosciences in marine environments
- Ability to participate in field and marine campaigns
Specific working conditions
- Full time
- Open-ended contract, for a provisional period of 4 years
- Possibility of participating to at-sea campaign
- Work site at Ifremer Centre de Bretagne (29280 Plouzané, France)
How to apply for this position
Deadline for applications: 08/02/2023
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