postdoctoral researcher (M/F) Atmospheric processes observation and modelling in Antarctica with a focus on the atmospheric boundary layer in interaction with the surface

Job Description

Missions

The LMD is seeking a postdoctoral researcher (M/F) to contribute to research on the surface meteorology component of the AWACA (Atmospheric Water Cycle over Antarctica) ERC project. Activities include the analysis, processing and valorizing of meteorological measurements along a 1100 km transect from coast to plateau in Antarctica, the characterization of wind and turbulence, radiation and snow drift parameters, the evaluation of processes and their representation in a regional and global meteorological model.

Activity

This post-doctoral research position is part of the ERC Synergy (N°951596) AWACA project (Atmospheric Water cycle over Antarctica, past, present and future, https://awaca.ipsl.fr/), which aims to enhance our knowledge of the water cycle over Antarctica by providing a combined observation and modelling framework to understand the fate of atmospheric water all along the tropospheric column. Specifically adapted/designed instruments have been combined and form observation sites and platforms deployed at 4 sites along a 1100 km coast-to-plateau transect aligned with typical moisture-carrying air mass trajectories. Autonomous instruments and platforms (water isotopes laser analyser, radars, microlidar and weather station) have been successfully deployed in the field in November 2024 - January 2025, for at least 3 years. The resulting data set is making possible the study of the processes driving the fate of water in the atmosphere of Antarctica to an unprecedented level, and the gained insights will be a strong basis to develop new physics parameterizations for regional and climate models.

The research position focuses on meteorology from boundary layer (observations, processes, parameterization) to large scale (Antarctic continent wide) modelling. Meteorology is observed in situ near the surface (7-m masts) using anemometers and vanes, thermohygrometers, radiometers for the components of solar and thermal radiation, sonic thermo-anemometers for turbulence characterization, blowing snow sensors. Automatic autonomous observation systems were deployed at 4 sites along a ~1100 km transect from the coast of Adélie Land (Dumont d'Urville station at sea level) to Dome C (Concordia station at 3300 m elevation). Depending on post doc start date and effective operation of the measurement systems, at least one year of data should be available to start with at each observation site, continuing through time to at least 3 years at the end of the post-doc. A pilot pre-AWACA study (https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2046) illustrates one expected science approach to analysing and valorizing the meteorological data. This will expand into a multi site multiyear comparative analysis and model evaluation thanks to the additional data such as the surface components of radiation. In interaction with the full AWACA modelling group, the Limited Area Model (LAM) previously used over the AWACA transect will be expanded to a full Antarctic regional model in preparation of main AWACA project prospects, reconstructions and predictions at secular to millennial time scales.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate should have a PhD degree in Earth Sciences, Climate Sciences, Physics or related field. A solid background in meteorology, experience in polar science, observation and modelling are recommended. The candidate should demonstrate experience in handling large observations data sets to derive physical processes analysis and modeling. The work will be carried out in a large team environment involving people from different laboratories; the position requires a candidate with strong communication skills, being proactive to drive collaborations with the other members of the project. Experience in scientific writing is also required.

Your Work Environment

The candidate will work on the Sorbonne University campus in Paris at Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique (LMD https://www.lmd.ipsl.fr/) in the EMC3 team (https://emc3.lmd.jussieu.fr/en). A central topic of EMC3 is the development of the LMDZ model, the atmospheric component of the IPSL Earth System Model contributing to IPCC reports. Observation and modelling activities at the same place in the same team ensures that the 2 approaches are synergetically combined and used together.
Apart from LMD (PIs Christophe Genthon and Thomas Dubos), the project involves teams from 2 other laboratories, LSCE (PI Valérie Masson) and EPFL (PI Alexis Berne).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Based on CNRS salary scale and experience, starting from €3,131.32 gross

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

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