Post-doc position - Numerical modeling of wave propagation in marine environment

EURAXESS Ireland; Marseille; Hybride; EUR 31 000 - 39 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

CNRS-LMA in Marseille is inviting applications for a 12-month postdoc position within the MAESTRIA project. The work focuses on 3D numerical modeling of seismo-acoustic wave propagation using SPECFEM3D, leveraging HPC to simulate coastal environments and analyze sound exposure and vibration metrics.

The candidate will collaborate with CNRS and partner institutes, with a starting date around November 2026. A net monthly salary ranges from EUR 2,820 to 3,500, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in computational/applied mathematics or related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python/C/Fortran.
• Experience with high-performance computing and numerical wave propagation.

Responsabilités

• Perform 3D numerical modeling of seismo-acoustic wave propagation in coastal environments using HPC.
• Interpret pressure, displacement, velocity and other output data to meet project goals.
• Collaborate with CNRS-LMA and partner groups to define input data and validate results.

Connaissances

Scientific programming

Finite-element methods

Finite-difference schemes

Formation

PhD in Computational Mathematics

PhD in Applied Mathematics

PhD in Computational Mechanics

PhD in Geosciences

PhD in Acoustics

PhD in Simulation engineering

Outils

SPECFEM3D

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS-LMA Department laboratoire de Mécanique et d'Acoustique UPR 7051 Research Field Mathematics » Computational mathematics Engineering » Simulation engineering Mathematics » Applied mathematics Physics » Computational physics Geosciences » Other Physics » Acoustics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 13 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The position, hosted by the CNRS, and more specifically by the Laboratory of Mechanics and Acoustics (LMA), is part of the MAESTRIA project. MAESTRIA aims at better assessing the potential impacts of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) disposal on the marine environment, in particular in terms of seismic risks and underwater noise pollution, by relying on numerical modeling of seismo-acoustic wave propagation generated by underwater explosions and on seismic and acoustic data acquired in situ during UXO disposal campaigns. This multidisciplinary project gathers experts in underwater acoustics, seismology, geology, and HPC modeling, from 3 French partners, namely Quiet-Oceans (PI), Shom (Service of Hydrography and Oceanography of the French Navy), and CNRS-LMA. The project is running until the end of December 2028.

The goal of the proposed work is to perform 3D numerical modeling of seismo-acoustic wave propagation in 2 coastal environments with different environment properties, by relying on HPC and a full-wave method (spectral-element method) implemented in the SPECFEM3D code. Interaction with the different partners of the project will help to properly define the input data (source model, environment properties), and interpret the output data (pressure, displacement, velocity, acceleration) and associated metrics that are relevant to the project objectives (e.g. sound pressure/exposure levels, vibration maps, etc.).

Main collaborators and Host institution

Host institution: CNRS / Laboratory of Mechanics and Acoustics (LMA) – Marine acoustics and Seismic imaging group (Marseille, France)

Main collaborators at CNRS-LMA: Dr Nathalie Favretto-Cristini, Dr Paul Cristini, Dr Vadim Monteiller – The selected candidate will have the opportunity to closely collaborate with scientists from Shom and Quiet-Oceans as well.

Duration: 12 months – possibility of an extension of at least 6 months

Starting date: November 1, 2026, or December 1, 2026 (to be discussed with the selected candidate)

• To work within an interdisciplinary environment with leading experts in seismo-acoustics, High-Performance Computing (HPC) simulations, and real data.
• A net monthly salary (including basic health insurance): EUR 2,820 – 3,500 (depending on the candidate’s experience) – The salary is subject to local tax, social benefit and other deductions following national regulations.

We are looking for:

An enthusiastic candidate who has a strong quantitative background, with a PhD in Computational Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Mechanics, Geosciences, Acoustics or Simulation engineering. The candidate should have a good knowledge of scientific programming (e.g., Python, C, Fortran) and finite-element or finite-difference schemes. It will be an asset if the candidate has prior research experience in ocean acoustics or seismology.

We will also take into account that you have:

Effective written and verbal communication skills: To collaborate with researchers within and outside the lab, and share findings. Adaptability and problem-solving skills. Interdisciplinary skills: Ability to work at the intersection of ocean acoustics and seismics, applying numerical modeling to understand experimental results, and vice versa.

• their academic credentials (Master's degree),
• abstract of the PhD thesis, and associated publications in scientific journals,
• contact details of two academic referees,
• and a 2-3 minutes video of motivation with a statement of their research interests.

Their application will receive fair consideration. No discrimination will be made on the basis of gender, race, religion, disability or nationality. However, they may have to comply with any security restrictions imposed by CNRS.

A selection committee adhering to gender equality and equal opportunity rules will be set up consisting of the supervisors at least. A first evaluation will be made on the basis of the documents provided. The short-listed candidates will then be invited for an online interview with the selection committee.

Requirements

Research Field Mathematics » Computational mathematics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Engineering » Simulation engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Mathematics » Applied mathematics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Computational physics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Geosciences » Other Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Acoustics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We are looking for:

An enthusiastic candidate who has a strong quantitative background, with a PhD in Computational Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Mechanics, Geosciences, Acoustics or Simulation engineering. The candidate should have a good knowledge of scientific programming (e.g., Python, C, Fortran) and finite-element or finite-difference schemes. It will be an asset if the candidate has prior research experience in ocean acoustics or seismology.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Additional Information

You will be offered:

• To work within an interdisciplinary environment with leading experts in seismo-acoustics, High-Performance Computing (HPC) simulations, and real data.
• A net monthly salary (including basic health insurance): EUR 2,820 – 3,500 (depending on the candidate’s experience) – The salary is subject to local tax, social benefit and other deductions following national regulations.
• their academic credentials (Master's degree),
• abstract of the PhD thesis, and associated publications in scientific journals,
• contact details of two academic referees,
• and a 2-3 minutes video of motivation with a statement of their research interests.

Their application will receive fair consideration. No discrimination will be made on the basis of gender, race, religion, disability or nationality. However, they may have to comply with any security restrictions imposed by CNRS.

A selection committee adhering to gender equality and equal opportunity rules will be set up consisting of the supervisors at least. A first evaluation will be made on the basis of the documents provided. The short-listed candidates will then be invited for an online interview with the selection committee.