A pioneer in ocean science, IFREMER’s cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development and open science. Our vision is to advance science, expertise and innovation to:

  • Protect and restore the ocean
  • Sustainably use marine resources to benefit society
  • Create and share ocean data, information & knowledge.

With more than 1,500 personnel spread along the French coastline in more than 20 sites, the Institute explores the 3 great oceans: the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A leader in ocean science, IFREMER is managing the French Oceanographic Fleet and its dedicated scientists create ground-breaking technology to push the boundaries of ocean exploration and knowledge, from the abyss to the atmosphere-ocean interface.

Well-established in the international scientific community, our scientists, engineers and technicians are committed to advance knowledge about our planet’s last unexplored frontiers. They provide the science we need for informed decision-making and public policy and they transfer this knowledge and technology to businesses to fulfill public and private needs. Core to our mission is also to strengthen public awareness about the importance of understanding the ocean and its resources, and empowering future generations of leaders through education and outreach national campaigns.

Founded in 1984, IFREMER is a French public organization and its budget approximates 240 million euros. It is operating under the joint authority of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the french Ministry of the Sea, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

General areas of responsibility

Founded in 1984, IFREMER is a French public organization. It is operating under the joint authority of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

  • Introducing the job description, indicating the work position in the organizational chart

The position is in the Laboratory for Ocean Physics and remote Sensing (LOPS) in Brest, France, this laboratory is dedicated to observing and investigating oceanic motions, their connection with the atmosphere, sea floor and the littorals, and their influence on life in the ocean.

The laboratory is a joint research unit combining the strengths of  Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique  (CNRS),  Institut français de recherche pour l’exploitation de la mer (Ifremer), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and the University of Brest (UBO). LOPS was created in January 2016 from the merger of Laboratoire de Physique des Océans (LPO) Laboratoire d’Océanographie Spatiale(LOS), and part of the Dynamique Côtière lab of l’Ifremer. LOPS is one of the 7 labs that make up Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), and one of the three labs of the Océanographie et Dynamique des Ecosystèmes department at Ifremer.

General areas of responsibility

The ERC project WAAXT (Wave modulated Arctic Air-sea eXchanges and Turbulence) is a 6-year research program funded by the European Research Council (ERC) that is designed to improve our understanding of ocean boundary layer processes in a changing Arctic Ocean.  This postdoc will contribute to that general goal by using field measurements and numerical models to conduct scientific research into ocean turbulence and mixing during sea ice formation.

Principal activities

Although the exact subjects will be tailored to the student’s specific interests and abilities, the work would be focused on upper-ocean turbulence, addressing questions like: How does the presence of frazil ice affect wave-driven turbulence?  How does wave-driven turbulence interact with the unique salinity-driven density structure of the Arctic Ocean?  How important are Langmuir circulations in this system?  How does wave breaking affect ice formation?

The work would use data taken as part of two campaigns, one in the Arctic Ocean (DarkEdge 2021), and one in the Lower St. Lawrence Estuary (WAAXT 2023), as well as exploiting modelling tools like Large Eddy Simulations.  A third field campaign, planned for 2024 is also expected to be available.

Responsibilities and duties

  • Conducting scientific research
  • Participating in field campaigns.
  • Writing academic papers
  • Presenting results at conferences.

Collaborative work environment

  • Internal :

The four teams that comprise LOPS.

  • External:

Local, national, and international partners in the WAAXT project.

Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics

Candidates should have a strong background in math, physics, and numerical techniques, with a focus on oceanography, fluid mechanics, or similar.  Expertise in any or all of: Arctic oceanography, surface wave dynamics, turbulence and mixing, would provide a significant advantage.  A Ph.D. degree in a relevant field is required before the start of the contract.

Required knowledge, skills and characteristics

  • Knowledge, skills and abilities

Academic research scientist with knowledge of:

  • Scientific numerical techniques
  • Math, physics, fluid dynamics, turbulence, oceanography.
  • Academic writing, scientific presentation.
  • Human qualities

– Creative; thinking outside the box.

– Self-directed.

– Strongly motivated.

– Capable of working as part of a team.

– Capable of working in English.

– French is an asset.

Specific working conditions

Full-time position

– Office work

– Potential work at sea aboard research vessels and small boats.

– Travel up to 3-months in France and abroad.

How to apply for this position

Deadline for applications: 15/05/2023

All applications are processed exclusively via their website. Interested candidates can apply by clicking the “Apply” button. 

Further details about the opportunity, in this link.