General information
Offer title : M/F - POST DOC - High-Energy Atmospheric Electrodynamics (H/F)
Reference : UMR7328-ISALAN-047
Number of position : 1
Workplace : ORLEANS
Date of publication : 30 September 2025
Type of Contract : Researcher in FTC
Contract Period : 12 months
Expected date of employment : 1 January 2026
Proportion of work : Full Time
Remuneration : €2,991.58 gross to €4,166.70 gross with a maximum of 7 years' experience
Desired level of education : Doctorate
Experience required : 1 to 4 years
Section(s) CN : 17 - Solar system and distant universe
Missions
The postdoctoral researcher will conduct theoretical and numerical research in the field of high-energy atmospheric electricity, with a focus on the physics of relativistic particles in thunderstorms.
Activities
- Theoretical studies and numerical simulations of Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanches (RREAs) in air.
- Development and improvement of a hybrid Fluid / Monte Carlo – Particle-In-Cell code to model the dynamics of electrons, positrons, and photons in the Earth's atmosphere.
- Analysis of relativistic feedback mechanisms and their signatures (radio, optical, and gamma emissions, discharge initiation, etc.).
- Interpretation of simulation results in the context of observed phenomena such as Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGF), Flickering Gamma-ray Flashes (FGF), and Gamma-ray Glows.
- Supervision and mentoring of MSc and PhD students.
Skills
- PhD in high-energy atmospheric electricity, high-energy astrophysics, or relativistic plasma physics.
- Strong expertise in numerical modeling and simulation.
- Excellent command of scientific programming (Fortran, MATLAB; additional experience with Python or C++ is an asset).
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
- Aptitude for student supervision and scientific dissemination (publications, conferences).
Work Context
The position is hosted at the Laboratory of Physics and Chemistry of the Environment and Space (LPC2E), located on the CNRS campus in Orléans, France. LPC2E is a joint research unit supervised by CNRS, the University of Orléans, and CNES.
The laboratory comprises three scientific teams, including one dedicated to Sun–Earth relations and space plasmas. LPC2E is responsible for several instrumental projects dedicated to the detection of accelerated particles in thunderclouds, as well as theoretical and numerical projects in this field.
Orléans is a medium-sized city on the banks of the Loire River, just one hour by train from Paris. It offers a high quality of life, with significantly lower living costs compared to the capital city. The CNRS campus in Orléans provides researchers with a stimulating environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Constraints and risks
NONE
Additional Information
NONE