PhD on mCDR and interactions with other climate interventions (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

In the context of the climate crisis, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) approaches and climate interventions are receiving increasing attention. Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) is a promising method aimed at increasing the ocean's capacity to absorb atmospheric CO₂. However, its biogeochemical, physical, and climatic impacts—as well as its interactions with other interventions such as land-based CDR (lCDR) and Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)—remain highly uncertain. In this context, there is a critical need to better understand the effects of these interventions, both in isolation and in combination, while also integrating socio-political dimensions that may influence their deployment. The ANR funded GEOSIC project aims to address this.
This PhD aims to simulate the effects of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) on the carbon cycle and climate, and to assess its impacts within an Earth system model. The project will involve designing intervention scenarios in collaboration with social and political scientists in order to ensure that they are grounded in realistic socio-political contexts. It will also analyse the combined effects of OAE with other climate interventions, including land-based carbon dioxide removal (lCDR) and stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI). A key objective is to identify potential synergies, trade-offs, and risks associated with these combined interventions.
The project will be based on the use of the IPSL-ESM-CO₂ Earth system model. Emission and intervention scenarios will be designed in collaboration with social sciences to reflect plausible deployment pathways. Numerical simulations will first be conducted in isolation, focusing on OAE alone, and will then be extended (in collaboration with other PhD students and postdocs) to combined scenarios including OAE, lCDR, and SAI.
Expected Outcomes:
The project will:
• Provide improved quantification of the potential and limitations of OAE
• Advance understanding of multi-intervention climate strategies
• Inform decision-making on combined climate interventions
• Contribute to scientific and societal discussions on climate intervention approaches
Candidate Profile:
• Master's degree in climate science, oceanography, physics, environmental science, or a related field
• Strong skills in scientific programming (Python, Fortran, or similar)
• Interest in Earth system modelling and climate science
• Openness to interdisciplinary research (climate and social sciences)
• Good level of scientific English

Your Work Environment

The PhD will take place at LOCEAN (Laboratoire d'Océanographie et du Climat), a leading oceanography and climate research laboratory at Sorbonne Université. The candidate will work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art Earth system models, high-performance computing facilities, and expertise in ocean modelling, carbon cycle science, and climate interventions. LOCEAN offers regular seminars, workshops, and collaborative opportunities, including links with social sciences, within the broader scientific ecosystem of Sorbonne Université and the Institut Pierre-Simon Laplace (IPSL) in the heart of Paris.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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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