CONTEXT

This postdoctoral position is part of the MEDIATION project (PPR-OCEAN, France 2030, PI L. Debreu), which aims, among other things, to develop methodological approaches that allow the level of model complexity to be tailored to the scientific question under study and the intended applications. The Earth system modelling chain developed in this context for the Mediterranean, one of the project’s two “demonstrators”, is intended to incorporate some of these developments.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this postdoctoral position is to finalize the developments related to the coupling between the lower-trophic-level model (Eco3M-MED) and the higher-trophic-level model (OSMOSE). Beyond the technical coupling, which has already been largely accomplished, the task will be to gradually implement feedback processes between these two components of the Mediterranean model chain (MEDNOW), and then to evaluate, by comparing with in situ data, the potential added value of bidirectional (“two-way”) coupling compared to simple forcing for each of the links. The final part of the postdoc will consist of analyzing the CMIP6 climate projections that will be available by then.

The MEDNOW model chain combines:

(i) the CNRM-RCSM6B physical model, which includes, in particular, the ALADIN-climat atmospheric model and the NEMOMED12 ocean circulation model,

(ii) the LPJmL continental agroecosystem model,

(iii) the Eco3M-MED biogeochemical/lower-trophic-level (LTL) model, and

(iv) the OSMOSE multi-species upper-trophic-level (HTL) model.

MISSIONS

The postdoctoral fellow’s main tasks will consist of:

- Implementing feedback processes between the LTL and HTL models

- Evaluating the outputs of the LTL and HTL models generated from simulations of the recent past, in coupled and forced configurations, by comparing them to in situ data (most of the in situ data and scripts are already available)

- Analyze the LTL and HTL compartments of the MEDNOW model forced by CMIP6 climate projections (scripts are partially available).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The candidate will hold a PhD. in oceanography or marine ecology and have significant experience in 3D modeling, ideally at the interface between physical and LTL (biogeochemical) models, between physical and HTL models, or between LTL and HTL models. He or she must be familiar with the Linux environment and possess good programming skills, particularly in the use of one or more compiled languages. A good knowledge of Python and/or R for processing and analysing model outputs is also required.

The candidate must also demonstrate a strong sense of initiative, particularly in fostering interactions with various participants in the MEDIATION project.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Work location:

The candidate will be based at the MIO (Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography) in Marseille (Luminy campus), but will be required to interact regularly with B. Ernande (MARBEC, Montpellier) and N. Barrier (MARBEC, Sète), and may need to travel to these partner laboratories. Collaboration with A. Bondeau (IMBE) is also anticipated.

Start date: as soon as possible on or after December 1, 2026

Duration: 18 months

Compensation: Compensation will be based on the candidate’s professional experience (between €2,616 and €3,062 gross).

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates must send a detailed resume, one or two representative articles related to the subject, and the names and email addresses of two or three references to the email addresses listed below. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

CONTACTS

Melika Baklouti melika.baklouti@univ-amu.fr

Bruno Ernande bruno.ernande@ifremer.fr

Nicolas Barrier nicolas.barrier@ird.fr