Postdoc position / Research engineer (M/F) - Modelling the socio-ecosystem of the La Rochelle m[...]

La Rochelle Université; France; Sur place; EUR 100 000 - 125 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading French university is hiring a postdoctoral researcher for a 17-month position focused on achieving carbon neutrality in La Rochelle. Responsibilities include developing a conceptual framework for socio-ecosystem modeling, creating transition scenarios, and collaborating with project partners. Candidates should have a PhD in sociology, economics, or environmental science, along with strong modeling and scientific writing skills. The role offers a gross monthly salary of €2,569.69.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in environmental science modelling and ability to interpret results.
• Autonomy in conducting and organising research projects.
• Excellent writing skills for the publication of scientific articles.

Responsabilités

• Develop an integrative conceptual framework for modelling the La Rochelle socio-ecosystem.
• Create prospective scenarios for the transition to carbon neutrality.
• Collaborate with doctoral students and project partners on research.

Connaissances

Environmental science modelling

Research project management

Scientific writing

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Formation

PhD in sociology, economics or environmental policy

Description du poste

Organisation/Company La Rochelle Université Research Field Sociology Environmental science Economics » Environmental economics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 15 Jan 2026 - 20:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Jun 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

La Rochelle University is recruiting a postdoc on a 17-month fixed-term contract.

Project context

La Rochelle aims to become the first urban coastal area in France to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 ( La Rochelle Zero Carbon ). Within this framework, a research focus on blue carbon has been developed as part of the La Rochelle Zero Carbon Territory (LRTZC) project. This focus aims to optimise the carbon sink functions of wetlands and surrounding coastal areas, while strengthening coastal resilience.

Quantitative models are frequently used in ecology; however, their design is often complicated due to the requirements for precise knowledge and data (e.g., the shape of the functions and the intensity of each parameter or their possible and unknown relationship) (McCallum, 2008). This trade-off between simplification and accuracy often poses problems in terms of scope and uncertainty (Jakeman & Letcher, 2003). Conversely, qualitative and discrete event modelling can circumvent data gaps and limitations related to high dimensionality (Gaucherel & Pommereau, 2019), in addition to being intuitive and easy to manipulate. Furthermore, qualitative or semi-qualitative models (computer scientists refer to "multi-valued" when variables have several values) are often more integrated than quantitative models, due to their ability to combine variables of different types (e.g., human activities, phytoplankton biomass and sediment removal) and remain analytically tractable (or "traceable", with exact calculations, without simulation).

The EDEN (Ecological Discrete-Event Network) framework is a dynamic, qualitative and possibilistic approach based on discrete event formalism. This framework has already been used successfully for various socio-ecological systems, enabling:

• A better understanding of agro-environmental dynamics and management options (De Lapparent et al., 2025);
• The identification of contrasting operating regimes in food webs (Gaucherel et al., 2024);
• The sustainable integration of agriculture and livestock farming (Cosme et al., 2023).

From this perspective, EDEN models could offer a relevant possibilistic dynamic for analysing potential trajectories enabling the La Rochelle socio-ecological system to achieve carbon neutrality.

As part of the LRTZC project, the postdoctoral researcher will be tasked with designing an integrated possibilistic and semi-qualitative model of the La Rochelle socio-ecosystem, geared towards the goal of carbon neutrality. This model will integrate the various ecological, socio-economic and political sub-models currently being developed as part of an associated PhD programme.

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Developing an integrative conceptual framework for synthesising and modelling the La Rochelle socio-ecosystem
• Developing prospective and alternative scenarios for the transition to carbon neutrality based on the calculated trajectories
• If time permits, a derivative version of this integrated model could be designed, extending it to a "disruptive" version (with bold processes for managing the La Rochelle socio-ecosystem), or even an "operational" version (with the aim of recovery and use by local decision-makers of the system)
• Write and disseminate scientific publications based on the work carried out
• Work closely with a doctoral student on the subject, the project directors and the consortium partners
• Design and carry out, if necessary, field surveys or questionnaires with the relevant stakeholders to feed into the final integrated model.
• Type: 17-month fixed-term contract starting in June 2026
• Working hours:full-time
• Remuneration:€2,569.69 gross monthly salary in accordance with La Rochelle Université’s contractual staff management charter.

Recruitment open to anyone with RQTH status

If the candidate obtained their doctorate less than three years ago, a postdoctoral contract may be offered. Beyond three years, an equivalent contract will be offered, similar to those offered to research engineers.

Qualifications

• PhD in sociology, economics or environmental policy, and/or in an environmental science discipline (in the broad sense)
• Proficiency in environmental science modelling and ability to interpret results
• Autonomy in conducting and organising research projects
• Scientific rigour, ethical awareness and adaptability
• Ability to work collaboratively and participatively, and to co-construct interdisciplinary knowledge
• Excellent writing skills, particularly for the publication of scientific articles
• Previous experience in empirical research on climate change, carbon in ecological, social, economic or political dynamics, or in relationships within a socio-ecosystem.
• Letters of recommendation (from your thesis supervisor, post-doc supervisor, etc.)
• Copy of your highest degree

This application must be submitted as a single file via the dedicated application form, which can be accessed by clicking here (Job reference: RECH/LIENSs/25-18)

NO INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS OR APPLICATIONS SENT BY EMAIL WILL BE CONSIDERED.