Postdoctoral researcher in complex systems and fluid flows in networks (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The postdoctoral position is part of the ERC Starting Grant project EMBIOMO, funded by the European Research Council. The project aims to understand the propagation of gas embolisms in plant vascular networks, a key mechanism underlying hydraulic failure during drought.

From a physical perspective, embolism propagation can be viewed as a dynamical invasion process in a complex fluid network, where local capillary thresholds, hydraulic resistances, and network topology interact to produce intermittent and collective dynamics.

The goal of the theoretical work is to develop models capable of linking the local physical rules governing two-phase flow in conduits to the emergent large-scale dynamics observed at the scale of the entire network.

In this context, the postdoctoral researcher will develop theoretical and computational models of invasion processes in complex fluid networks, combining concepts from two-phase flow, nonlinear dynamics, and the statistical physics of disordered systems.

The researcher will work in close interaction with experimentalists developing biomimetic microfluidic networks that reproduce the architecture of leaf venation, allowing quantitative comparisons between theory and experiments.

Activity

The activities of the postdoctoral researcher will include in particular:
- Develop theoretical models describing gas invasion dynamics in fluid networks with capillary thresholds.
- Study collective and intermittent dynamics arising from local invasion rules.
- Explore connections with concepts from statistical physics such as avalanches, percolation, and irreversible dynamics.
- Develop numerical simulations of invasion processes in complex networks.
- Compare theoretical predictions with experimental observations obtained in biomimetic microfluidic networks.
- Contribute to the writing of scientific articles and present results at international conferences.

Your Profil

Skills

- PhD in physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong background in statistical physics, nonlinear dynamics, or complex systems.
- Knowledge of two-phase flows or interfacial hydrodynamics would be a strong asset.
- Experience with theoretical modeling of dynamical systems or networks.
- Strong programming skills (Python or equivalent).
- Ability to work at the interface between theory and experiments.
- Scientific creativity and ability to develop new theoretical frameworks.

Your Work Environment

The position is based at the Institut de Physique de Nice (INPHYNI, CNRS UMR 7010 – Université Côte d'Azur), a laboratory internationally recognized for research in fluid mechanics, soft matter, and microfluidics.

The project combines experiments, microfluidic modeling, and theoretical approaches to understand fluid transport in complex networks.

The postdoctoral researcher will interact closely with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and engineers developing biomimetic microfluidic systems, as well as with international academic collaborators.

The project is funded by an ERC Starting Grant, providing an ambitious and well-supported research environment.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €3,072 and €4,714.89 gross per month

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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