Missions

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a project funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), titled PAST-17, or “Past Dynamics of Continental Atmospheric Humidity and Vegetation: New Insights from Triple Oxygen Isotope Composition”. The objective is to reconstruct past hydrological changes and relative humidity using a combined model-data approach, in collaboration with the PAST-17 research group.

Activités

The selected candidate will work on a sediment core collected in 2024 from Lake Fitri, located in the Sahelian zone (Chad), to reconstruct Holocene hydroclimatic variations using diatoms. The researcher will analyze diatom assemblages using microscopic techniques and determine their triple oxygen isotope composition using laser fluorination coupled with laser-IRMS spectrometry. Currently, there is a lack of quantitative paleo-hydroclimatic data for the Sahel region.

Compétences

We are looking for a motivated and creative candidate holding a PhD in Earth Sciences, paleo-hydrology, or paleoclimatology, with proven expertise in stable oxygen isotope geochemistry. Prior experience with triple oxygen isotope analysis (mass-dependent fractionation) is highly desirable. Fluency in English and strong collaborative skills are essential. The position will also require active participation in sample preparation and laser spectrometry measurements.

Contexte de travail

The researcher will be based at CEREGE, a recognized interdisciplinary Earth Sciences research center, and will join the Climate Research Group (Group Link). Close collaboration is expected with the PANISS laboratory group . A PhD student will work in parallel on the sedimentological and mineralogical analysis of the same core.
This project is part of the VIABELEAUX International Joint Laboratory ("Viability of Sahelian Lake Ecosystems under Global Change"), a French-Chadian collaboration funded by IRD, focused on studying the evolution of Lake Fitri in the context of climate change.