Postdoc Position : Implementing IRMS and laser spectroscopy systems to measure soil and plant f[...]

INRAE; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000 - 50 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A French research organization is seeking a skilled postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary team focused on environmental science. The role involves measuring CO2 and COS fluxes, conducting experiments, and collaborating with international researchers. Candidates should have a PhD, expertise in isotope analysis, and strong communication skills. This role offers opportunities to work on innovative research related to carbon cycling.

Qualifications

• Experience measuring stable isotopes using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry.
• Fluency in English and basic knowledge of French preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsabilités

• Develop and measure CO2 and COS fluxes using automated systems.
• Conduct microcosm experiments for COS isotope fractionation.
• Collaborate with international research team members.

Connaissances

Statistical skills including scripting

Experience with atmospheric chemistry

Experience in soil/plant biogeochemistry

Communication skills in English

Basic knowledge of French

Formation

PhD degree in chemical/instrumental analysis of stable isotopes

Outils

Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry

IRMS

ISODAT software

Description du poste

Organisation/Company INRAE Department ECODIV-AgroEcoSystems Research Field Environmental science » Global change Geosciences » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 15 Jan 2026 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38:40 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number 101003125 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Rationale: Rising CO2 and temperature combined with changes in water availability will modify terrestrial ecosystem photosynthetic uptake and respiratory losses in the near future, but it still remains unclear to what extent. Complementary tracers of the carbon cycle, such as carbon dioxide and carbonyl sulfide isotopologues can provide novel insights on ecosystem processes and help constrain large-scale and long-term CO2 budgets. However, mechanistic understanding of how rising CO2 and mycorrhizal partnerships regulate the exchange rates of these tracers between plants, soils and the atmosphere is currently unknown .

We are looking to hire a postdoc that will become a key member in a new ERC team based in Bordeaux contributing to the development of methods to measure the fluxes of CO2, water vapour, CO2 isotopes and COS concentrations and isotopes using automated laser spectroscopy systems and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry . The candidate will be responsible for developing a COS isotope calibration framework and conducting a microcosm experiment to measure the COS isotope fractionation of plant and soil material.

Experience measuring the stable isotope compostion of 13C and 34S in different matrices using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry would be an strong asset . The candidate will have the necessary expertise to design, calibrate and implement novel experiments to measure the stable isotope composition of COS gas. In addition the candidate should have skills in the use of IRMS and the ISODAT software. A background and experience of applying Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry or Laser Spectroscopy techniques to investigate environmental problems would also be highly desirable. The candidate will work alongside an assistant engineer on the project as well as postdoctoral researchers and postgraduates. The candidate must also have a proven ability to work in an international research team. The candidate will also demonstrate a competence in communicating in both English and French. A clean driving licence would be useful.

The candidate will be welcomed in to the INRAE unit Interactions Soil Plant Atmosphere and offers the candidate an experience to work within a dynamic and internationally recognised interdisciplinary team working on biogeochemistry and functional ecology with ample opportunity to develop a network with many international collaborators. The successful candidate will contribute to a quantitative description of how the variability in plant-fungal interactions impact atmospheric chemistry. This research position offers exciting opportunities to generate unique insights on soil-plant-atmosphere interactions that will lead to a greater understanding of carbon cycling on Earth.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Geosciences » Other Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Recommended training: The candidate will have a PhD degree with a focus on chemical/instrumental analysis of stable isotopes, or corresponding competence

Fluency in English (both speaking and writing) is a requirement; basic knowledge of French is an advantage (and can be developed in an early phase of the employment with lessons organised by INRAE)

Appreciated experience: Experience working with atmospheric chemistry and/or soil/plant biogeochemistry would be a bonus although not critical.

Skills sought: Statistical skills including scripting and knowledge of ISODAT software are essential. Ability to carry out independent and well organised research, work in a team and demonstrate a competence in communicating skills for working in an internationally diverse team.

Specific Requirements

Knowledge required: Experience of gas monitoring using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectroscopy and/or cavity ring-down or QCL spectroscopy techniques, maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instruments and vacuum systems. Appreciated experience: Experience working with atmospheric chemistry and/or soil/plant biogeochemistry would be a bonus although not critical.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages FRENCH Level Basic

Research Field Geosciences » OtherEnvironmental science » Global change Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

By joining our team, you benefit from (depending on the type of contract):