Missions

As part of the Franco-Indian TRISHNA mission, we are in the final stages of developing a prototype for generating daily evapotranspiration products. One of the two selected algorithms, STIC, will be integrated and tested under conditions representative of the mission's ground segment. This fixed-term position is intended to oversee and coordinate these activities in close collaboration with members of the Ecosystem Stress working group of the mission.
Beyond the ground-segment integration, further development of STIC is also planned, specifically toward the simultaneous estimation of ecosystem gross primary productivity (GPP) and water use efficiency (WUE). These advancements are expected to open the possibility of new scientific products from TRISHNA. Multiple versions of STIC will be progressively included in the TRISHNA Knowledge Hub to support research on improving evapotranspiration and ecosystem stress estimates across diverse ecosystems.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist with deep expertise in thermal remote sensing and evapotranspiration (ET) modeling to lead research and development activities focused on ecosystem stress, land-atmosphere interactions, agricultural water use, and ecohydrological processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in satellite-based ET retrieval, surface energy balance modeling, and the integration of thermal infrared (TIR) data from airborne and spaceborne platforms.

Activities

We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist with deep expertise in thermal remote sensing and evapotranspiration (ET) modeling to lead research and development activities focused on ecosystem stress, land-atmosphere interactions, agricultural water use, and ecohydrological processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in satellite-based ET retrieval, surface energy balance modeling, and the integration of thermal infrared (TIR) data from airborne and spaceborne platforms.
You will work in a multidisciplinary team contributing to large-scale missions such as TRISHNA, supporting the integration of algorithms in ground segment, validation frameworks, and high-level products related to ET, plant water stress, and land surface temperature dynamics.

Skills

Research Field: Thermal and multispectral remote sensing of energy, water and carbon flux modeling; Ecosystem functioning and Stress; Biometeorology and land atmosphere interactions;
Education Level : PhD in Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Atmospheric Science, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of postdoctoral experience followed by demonstrated leadership experience in remote sensing of evapotranspiration or land surface processes.
e l'évapotranspiration et du bilan énergétique de surface, et développement de modèles.
Demonstrated expertise in thermal infrared remote sensing, evapotranspiration and surface energy balance modeling, model development
Strong programming skills in MATLAB, or similar scientific computing environments.
Experience working with satellite Earth Observation data (e.g., ECOSTRESS, Landsat, MODIS, Geostationary).
Experience with physically based ET models.
Experience working with international satellite missions or research consortia (e.g., CNES, ISRO, NASA, ESA).
Understanding of vegetation stress physiology and ecohydrological feedbacks.
Skills in project coordination, leadership, or mentorship.
Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications, research leadership, and collaboration on large scientific missions or projects.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Work Context

CESBIO is a public research laboratory which aims to better understand the functioning of continental surfaces and their interactions with climate and humans. Remote sensing is heavily used by CESBIO scientists to monitor the evolution of the planet at various scales and develop models to tackle societal challenges on biodiversity, climate change, food security, water resources, etc. The laboratory also contributes to the development and promotion of Earth Observation by participating in the definition, implementation and scientific exploitation of space missions. CESBIO is a “Unité Mixte de Recherche”, a joint research unit of different institutions (CNES, CNRS, IRD, UT). permettant de relever les défis sociétaux liés à la biodiversité, au changement climatique, à la sécurité alimentaire, aux ressources en eau, etc. Le laboratoire contribue également au développement et à la promotion de l'observation de la Terre en participant à la définition, à la mise en œuvre et à l'exploitation scientifique des missions spatiales. Le CESBIO est une Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR), une structure de recherche commune à plusieurs institutions (CNES, CNRS, IRD, UT).

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

Occasional missions abroad to participate in conferences.