Missions

The ERC REFINE project aims to understand and quantify the physical, biological, and biogeochemical processes controlling the ocean's biological carbon pump—a key mechanism for CO₂ sequestration. REFINE relies on an innovative robotic approach deploying a new generation of multidisciplinary profiling floats able to explore the ocean's twilight zone (100–1000 m), one of the least-known environments on Earth.
The data collected by these floats will support carbon flux budgeting, characterization of organic matter transformation, and the development of empirical and AI-based models to upscale findings to the global ocean.
This postdoctoral position will contribute to analyzing REFINE observations, developing data processing and visualization tools, and studying coupled dynamics between the euphotic and twilight zones.

Activities

The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in:
• Processing and analyzing data from REFINE floats (biogeochemical and optical profiles, acoustic data, imaging).
• Developing data processing and visualization scripts (Python, R).
• Contributing to the establishment of annual carbon budgets in the sampled regions.
• Participating in the development and application of AI methods to relate surface observations to deep-ocean processes.
• Writing scientific articles and presenting results at international conferences.

Skills

• PhD in oceanography, marine biogeochemistry, environmental sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience in the analysis of in situ oceanographic data (profiling, floats, imaging).
• Proficiency in a scientific programming language (Python, R).
• Knowledge of marine biogeochemistry and carbon cycling.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment and to promote research findings.

Work Context

The position will be based at the Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche (CNRS–Sorbonne Université), within a dynamic and multidisciplinary research environment. Regular interactions are planned with the project's international partners.