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

A pioneer in ocean science, IFREMER’s cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development and open science. The work conducted by the Aléas Marins (ALMA) laboratory is multidisciplinary and concentrating on fundamental and applied research in geotechnics, geophysics, geology, sedimentology and sedimentary hydrodynamics to determine the intensity (how ?),  as well as the spatial (where ?) and temporal (when ?) occurrence of geological hazards associated with various external factors.

Summary

The seismicity of subduction zones is heavily influenced by fluids entering the subduction with the incoming plate. The Lesser Antilles are a natural laboratory to study this interplay, as the oceanic crust accreted at the slow spreading Mid-Atlantic ridge is intensively hydrated. The fluids are released at depth beneath the margin and return to the seafloor where they form fluid expulsion sites (pockmark, mud-volcanoes) or as diffuse sweeps. This PhD project will use wide-angle and multichannel seismic data from a 3D ocean-bottom seismometer array deployed during the Manta-Ray cruise (2022). The student will process and interpret the data in order to characterize and study the nature and fluid content of the incoming and overriding plate, the fluid pathways and the structure of the expulsion sites. Results will be correlated to the margin sismicity to constrain the influence of fluids on the seismicity in this region and estimate the fluid budget but also the influence of the seismicity on global fluid cycles.

Key words

Lesser Antilles, deep structure, global cycles

Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics

  • We would like to encourage students interested in marine multi-disciplinary research to apply for this project.
  • A strong background in physics or mathematical modeling is important.
  • The candidate should have a Master 2 degree in geophysics, physics or geosciences. The candidate should have very good English communication and writing skills.

Specific working conditions

  • Processing and interpretation of seismic data
  • Interpretation of bathymetric and imagery data
  • Participation in an oceanographic cruise if the possibility arises
  • Part of the Ph. D. the candidate will be localised the the Lesser Antilles (Guadeloupe).

This Phd is an excellent opportunity to work on Ifremer’s scientific and technological priority themes. It entitles the holder to a gross monthly salary of 2300 euros gross for a period of 3 years, which cannot be combined with other scholarships.

How to apply for this position ?

Your application file must include :

  • a curriculum vitae
  • a cover letter
  • a reference letter
  • an academic transcript (Bachelor + Master 1 and first semester Master 2)

Your application must be compiled into 2 PDF files, up to 3 MB for each file:

In case of any problem in attaching your documents, please upload your CV on this page (this step is mandatory for your application to be considered) and send all the documents to the thesis supervisor : fklingel@ifremer.fr

The deadline for applications is April 23rd, 2023. Nevertheless, we strongly urge you to let us know as soon as possible of your intention to apply, by contacting the subject supervisor.

Deadline for applications: 23/04/2023

Find out more about the position here.