PhD student (M/F). Project title: 'Reconstructing the erosional history of Kasei Valles, Mars: megafloods or mega-glaciers?'
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 mounth
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
44322 NANTES
Contract Duration
36 mounth
Date of Hire
01/10/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 13 April 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
This thesis will aim to characterize the contribution of ice streams to the erosion, geological, and geomorphological record of Kasei Valles on Mars. The successful candidate will evaluate the compatibility of the geological record within the canyon with that of ice streaming, and perform a complete landform analysis and glaciodynamical reconstruction of a possible former Kasei ice stream. In detail, the project objectives are: (1) Test the hypothesis that an ice stream existed in Kasei Valles using geomorphological arguments. (2) Reconstruct Kasei Valles' flow event chronology. (3) Characterize the onset, terminus, and evolution. (4) Establish meaningful comparisons with terrestrial analogues.
The desired candidate will have a background in geology, with an existing expertise in geomorphology (glacial geomorphology will be privileged), and knowledge of planetary science (knowledge of Mars' geology will be privileged). Additionally, the selection committee will search for candidates with previous fieldwork experience, privileging experience in geologically relevant environments and terrestrial analogue sites. An advanced level of English is required.
The application should include two pdf files:
(1) A pdf with a complete and up to date CV.
(2) A pdf with the following elements
- A letter of motivation.
- Two letters of recommendation, at least one from your master project supervisor.
- Proof of academic record from official grades or transcripts.
Your Work Environment
The thesis will take place at the Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences in Nantes, France. Located on the university science faculties of Nantes, Angers and Le Mans, the “Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géosciences” (LPG) is a multi-site Mixed Research Unit that is supported by the CNRS and the Universities of Nantes, Angers and Le Mans. Its activities are divided into three research themes: Coastal and Marine Systems, Earth, and Planets and Moons. The student will be part of the research theme 'Planets and Moons', and will be integrated within the ERC - IceFloods (https://lpg-umr6112.fr/en/erc-icefloods/).
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
| Offer reference | UMR6112-ANNGRA-005 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Earth and telluric planets: structure, history, models |
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.
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