Missions

A 13 month postdoc position at CEREGE (Aix-en-Provence, France) to work on the ERC funded project ForCry is available. This project seeks to improve the implementation of the boron isotope pH proxy at high spatial and temporal resolutions.

The primary goal is to investigate potential palaeoecological-biological changes in the Globigerinoides genus that might have induced species-specific vital effects during the Plio-Pleistocene, specifically in relation to the depth habitat or calcification strategy. Constraining these changes will aid to evaluate the boron isotope CO2 proxy, that has been widely used in G. ruber. Any changes in the proxy behaviour or improvements that can be made will have knock-on impacts into geological CO2 reconstruction and climate sensitivity estimations over the last 3 million years.

The postdoc will also analyse the benthic foraminiferal δ18O to build a chronological age-depth model for the cores studied as well as δ13C and B/Ca to analyse the changes in deep-sea conditions. This will help shed light on the potential impacts of preservation bias on different planktic species, as well as regional carbonate system dynamics.

This position will focus on developing neural networks to automatically identify, sort, and analyse foraminifera (Globigerinoides spp.), and streamline this analysis through the use of a novel and unique automaton prototype called MiSo (Microfossil Sorter) developed at the CEREGE. The postdoc will also make use of geochemical techniques (e.g. stable isotopes of oxygen and carbon and trace element analysis) to compare with the morphological traits and further unravel any biological or habitat differences.
The candidate will have experience to, or equivalent to, a PhD in geology, in particular foraminifera or similar morphometry, palaeoecology or geochemistry. It is advantageous to have a prior experience in foraminifera taxonomy and ecology, high throughput imaging systems, machine-learning systems, and mass spectrometry techniques.
The successful applicant will be a member of the “Climat” research team at CEREGE. They will work closely with collaborators in the department and across the world and will help to mentor more junior team members as well as other career development opportunities.

Activités

- Development and application of neural networks
- Micropaleontological and geochemical analyses
- Paleoenvironmental reconstruction
- Studentsupervision
- Writing scientific articles and presenting results at international conferences

Compétences

Knowledge
- Potential occupational hazards
- Regulations on hygiene and safety (if applicable)
- English language: B1 to B2 level

Skills
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and autonomous work abilities. Sense of initiative.
- Basic computer skills (office software).
- Ability to use necessary IT tools.
- Basic knowledge in the relevant field.
- Motivation and ability to conduct fieldwork.

Contexte de travail

Work Location:
CEREGE is located on the Plateau du Petit Arbois, Technopole Environnement Arbois - Méditerranée, Avenue Louis Philibert, Aix-en-Provence.
The recruited candidate will join the Climate team at CEREGE.

Contraintes et risques

None