M/F Postdoctoral position – noble gas analysis by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (PRIMORDIAL project)

Job Description

Missions

As part of the PEPR project “PRIMORDIAL” (PI: David Bekaert; ; https://pepr-origins.fr/projet/primordial/), the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for (co-)developing ultra-high-precision analyses of neon, argon, krypton, and xenon by dynamic mass spectrometry, particularly in CO2-rich gases originating from various volcanic regions around the world. These developments will be carried out in close collaboration with the project's partners and collaborators at the Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques (CRPG; e.g., Prof. Bernard Marty, Laurent Zimmermann), the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP; e.g., Dr. Guillaume Avice), including the Volcanological and Seismological Observatories (OVS; e.g., Dr. Johan Villeneuve), University College Dublin (UCD; Dr. Alan Seltzer), Manchester University (e.g., Dr. Michael Broadley), and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI; e.g., Dr. Peter Barry). The PRIM'SIRIX instrument (Isotopx company; http://isotopx.com/products/sirix) will be installed at CRPG in autumn 2026. Analytical developments will begin at the start of the postdoctoral contract and will therefore require prior expertise in mass spectrometry, ideally in Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) or related techniques. Once these developments are well advanced, the postdoctoral researcher will participate in organizing and carrying out one to three field campaigns in several targeted hydrothermal and volcanic provinces, including the Eifel (Germany), Yellowstone National Park (USA), and South Africa. The collected samples will then be prepared and analyzed using the new analytical setup established at CRPG. The postdoctoral researcher will actively contribute to writing scientific articles covering both the analytical developments achieved and the study of natural samples. They will also present the results at international conferences (e.g., the Goldschmidt Conference). Finally, the recruited person may also participate in science outreach activities related to Earth's internal processes and volcanic hazards.

Activity

• (Co-)develop ultra-high-precision noble gas analyses on the PRIM'SIRIX instrument at CRPG
• Organize and/or participate in hydrothermal and volcanic gas sampling campaigns
• Prepare and analyze natural samples collected during field missions
• Process, analyze, and interpret the resulting data
• Present results at international conferences
• Write scientific articles for peer-reviewed international journals

Your Profil

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of mass spectrometry and prior experience in IRMS or related techniques
• Strong knowledge of noble gas geochemistry and mantle geochemistry
• Ability to conduct analytical developments and independently manage a research project
• Ability to work in a team and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations
• Scientific rigor, motivation, and initiative
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Your Work Environment

The Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques (CRPG; UMR 7358), located in Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, is a geosciences research unit affiliated with the CNRS and the University of Lorraine. The recruited researcher will interact with scientists, engineers, and technical staff from the “Noble Gas Mass Spectrometry” platforms, as well as with research teams working in the fields of “Cosmochemistry and Planetology,” “Magmas and Deep Fluids,” and “Cycles, Atmosphere, Climate.” They will have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art analytical equipment. Numerous scientific interactions are planned with partners of the PRIMORDIAL project, particularly at CRPG and IPGP.

Constraints and risks

• Risks associated with high-voltage electrical systems
• Risks associated with laser radiation

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between 3,072 and 4,258.87 euros gross monthly according to experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions