Postdoctoral researcher (M/F) – "Social perception and uses of dunes and their management in Biscarrosse (40)"

Job Description

Missions

Coastal dunes are iconic geosystems of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coast, bordering half of the region's coastline (408 km). They mark the transition zone between marine and terrestrial environments, serve as biodiversity corridors and barriers against coastal hazards (primarily erosion and inundation), and embody the rich landscape, geological, and historical heritage of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coast. They are also areas of great societal, recreational, and economic appeal. Consequently, coastal dune systems are sites of major importance and provide essential ecosystem services to coastal communities. As such, they are prime examples of socio-ecosystems where natural and human-driven dynamics intersect. However, the "human-environment" relationships within this socio-ecosystem remain poorly understood. Key questions include understanding and analyzing the factors that drive the coast's appeal, and how human-environment relationships adapt to new management approaches, accessibility constraints, and efforts to raise public awareness regarding coastal risks, the impacts of climate change, and the need for adaptation and biodiversity conservation. You will work within the framework of the "DUNES: Space of Transitions" research project (co-funded by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region and BRGM), specifically within Module 4, which aims to identify the societal role of the "coastal dune" as a feature of the landscape. By examining public perception, usage patterns, the implementation of innovative management approaches, and the valuation of this ecosystem, the research will provide insights to facilitate the co-construction of solutions for managing the transformation of these areas and for modifying occupancy practices, with a view to adapting the territory to global changes.

Activity

Working under the supervision of the two coordinators, you are being recruited as a full-time postdoctoral researcher for the project to participate in data collection, discourse analysis, and the dissemination of research findings. The appointee's primary responsibilities will include organizational tasks (specifically fieldwork), as well as empirical and analytical work ranging from data collection to contributing to database development and research dissemination (scientific presentations and publications).

Your Profil

Skills

PhD in Social Sciences (geography, urban planning, sociology, etc.) - Expertise in coastal planning and management in France and internationally (issues, governance, historical evolution, uses, representations, perceptions, etc.) - Expertise regarding issues associated with coastal risk management and sustainable coastal development (applicability of nature-based solutions in coastal environments, etc.) - Methodological skills: familiarity with data processing and/or discourse analysis tools (Iramuteq, Sphinx, R, or similar); conducting and analyzing semi-structured interviews - Concepts and frameworks regarding data interoperability (normalization, standardization) - Legal and ethical framework for data processing and use - Strong organizational and communication skills - Ability to take initiative and work independently - Category B driving license - Fluent French (written and spoken) - Scientific English (spoken and written)

Your Work Environment

Project coordination will be carried out by Alexandre Nicolae Lerma, a research engineer specializing in coastal dynamics at the BRGM's Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Division in Pessac. The required tasks will be performed at the Laboratory of Physical Geography in Thiais (CNRS-LGP) under the supervision of research engineer Delphine Grancher.

Constraints and risks

Full-time position based at LGP (Thiais); remote work subject to CNRS regulations. Fieldwork required (Biscarrosse, Bordeaux), potentially including weekends (with compensatory time off).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Starting at €3,133 gross per month, depending on 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

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