Postdoctoral Researcher (M/F) Turbulence, spontaneous stochasticity and the inviscid limit

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of the French National Research Agency (ANR) project TURBO, which focuses on describing turbulent flows in the high-Reynolds-number limit and the intrinsic unpredictability phenomena associated with singular fields.

They will conduct an original research programme aimed at improving our understanding of the relationships between singularities, conservation anomalies, irreversibility, intermittency, loss of uniqueness and spontaneous stochasticity in turbulent flows. Depending on their background and expertise, their research may address one or more of the following topics:
- the geometry and statistical properties of Lagrangian dynamics at inertial scales;
- Lagrangian or Eulerian spontaneous stochasticity in fluid mechanics equations and simplified models;
- the development of probabilistic descriptions of turbulence, in particular using measure-valued solutions, generalized variational principles or methods from statistical physics.

The precise research topic will be defined jointly with the successful candidate, based on their expertise, scientific interests and the progress of the project. The position is therefore not exclusively tied to a predefined TURBO work package. The successful candidate will nevertheless be expected to maintain a close connection between theoretical or mathematical developments and their validation using models, numerical simulations or turbulent-flow data.

Activity

- Define and carry out, in consultation with the project members, an original research programme aligned with the scientific objectives of TURBO.
- Develop theoretical approaches to investigate the inviscid limit of fluid mechanics equations, conservation anomalies, generalized Lagrangian flows, spontaneous stochasticity and the non-uniqueness of solutions.
- Construct and study simplified models that isolate the physical or mathematical mechanisms responsible for unpredictability, irreversibility and singular behaviour.
- Collaborate with project members and participate in project meetings, seminars and working groups.
- Publish research findings and present them at national and international scientific meetings.
- Occasionally contribute to student supervision and to the scientific activities of the project.

Your Profil

Skills

- PhD in applied mathematics, mathematical physics, theoretical physics, fluid mechanics, statistical physics or a closely related field, awarded before the position begins.
- Strong expertise in at least one of the following areas: turbulence and fluid mechanics; partial differential equations and singular limits; probability and stochastic processes; nonequilibrium statistical physics, large-deviation theory and intermittency; dynamical systems and ergodic theory; calculus of variations, optimal transport and measure-valued solutions; modelling and scientific computing.
- Ability to formulate and conduct a research project independently, combining mathematical approaches, physical interpretation and numerical validation.
- Proficiency in at least one scientific programming language, such as Python, Julia, MATLAB, C, C++ or Fortran, together with good practices in software development, verification and documentation.
- Ability to write scientific publications and present research findings in English. Proficiency in French is not required.

Expertise in all the areas listed above is not expected. Previous experience in turbulence, the statistical mechanics of fluids or spontaneous stochasticity would be an advantage, but applications from candidates working in related fields are also welcome.

The successful candidate should demonstrate independence, rigour, scientific creativity, initiative and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research.

The main assessment criteria will be the scientific quality of the applicant's track record, the originality of their approaches and their overall fit with the objectives of TURBO.

Your Work Environment

The Institut de Physique de Nice (INPHYNI) is a joint research unit operated by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Université Côte d'Azur. It is located in the Nice Méridia urban technology district, in a recently constructed building housing approximately 170 staff members, including researchers, faculty members, engineers, technical and administrative staff, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. The institute's scientific activities are organized into eleven research teams grouped into three main areas: “Waves and Quantum Physics”, “Photonics”, and “Nonlinear Physics, Complex Fluids and Biophysics”. They cover a broad range of fundamental and applied research combining theoretical, computational and experimental approaches.

The successful candidate will join the “Nonlinear and Nonequilibrium Physics” team, which comprises approximately twenty members and conducts interdisciplinary research in nonlinear dynamics, hydrodynamics, statistical physics and nonequilibrium systems. They will contribute to the ANR TURBO project, which investigates turbulence in the high-Reynolds-number limit. The successful candidate will therefore work in a stimulating scientific environment alongside researchers, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers studying turbulent flows, Lagrangian dynamics, irreversibility and spontaneous stochasticity.

Constraints and risks

The position does not involve any specific occupational constraints or risks. The work will be primarily theoretical and computational and will be carried out using standard computer equipment.

Occasional travel within France or abroad may be required to participate in collaborations, workshops, conferences or research visits.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

€3072 to €4714.89 gross per month, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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