Missions

Embark on an exhilarating journey with the Deep-C project, funded by the European Union's prestigious ERC Starting Grant. Tackle climate change head-on by decoding the mysteries of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) dissolution in deep-sea sediments—covering half the seafloor and serving as a vital CO2 sink. Using state-of-the-art high-pressure reactors, you'll simulate abyssal (3-6 km) and hadal (>6 km) conditions to explore pressure effects on solubility, dissolution kinetics, and microbial influences. Your work will refine global carbon cycle models, enhance CO₂ sequestration understanding, and position you at the forefront of ocean science innovation!

Activités

- Lead groundbreaking experiments with custom titanium high-pressure reactors (up to 1,000 bars) to measure dissolution rates of diverse CaCO₃ forms (calcite, aragonite, high-Mg calcites).
- Investigate microbial respiration's role using deep-sea bacterial cultures, analyze seawater and solid samples with advanced techniques (pH, O₂, alkalinity, DIC, δ¹³C, ICP-MS, flow cytometry, XRD), and collaborate with global leaders (e.g., Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, Southern Denmark University).
- Publish high-impact research as first author, present at international conferences, mentor students, and pioneer independent research aligned with project goals.
- Opportunities for fieldwork or cruises await!

Compétences

• Demonstrated expertise in seawater carbonate chemistry and biogeochemical processes, with a publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in laboratory techniques such as chemical analyses, microbial culturing, isotope tracing, or data modeling is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, or MATLAB) and excellent command of English (written and spoken); French is an asset but not required.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage projects, and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
• Enthusiasm for addressing climate change through innovative, fundamental research, with a trajectory toward research independence.

Contexte de travail

CEREGE (Centre de Recherche et d'Enseignement de Géosciences de l'Environnement ) is located at the Technopôle de l'Environnement Arbois-Méditerranée (Aix-en-Provence, France).
The institute hosts approximately 100 faculty members and researchers, 50 engineers, technicians, and administrative staff, and 100 non-permanent personnel, including 60 PhD students. CEREGE is structured into four teams and several analytical and technical platforms, fostering strong interdisciplinarity through theoretical, methodological, and technological approaches. The postdoctoral researcher will work within the Climate team, in close collaboration with Olivier Sulpis (CNRS), and the rest of the team.