Postdoc: Reactive Transport Modeling in the Vadose Zone

CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research; France; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

CNRS – Institut des Sciences de la Terre d’Orléans seeks a postdoctoral researcher to model reactive transport in the unsaturated zone (UZ) at the Beauce aquifer, integrating geoscience data to build a hydrogeological model. You will work with the O-ZNS observatory, using multi-physics tools to interpret geochemical data and develop digital twins for RTM.

The role involves collaboration with ISTO and BRGM teams, developing codes and methods, and presenting results at international venues.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in numerical modelling, thermos-kinetic mechanisms, processing and interpretation of geochemical data.
• Knowledge in numerical modelling and coupling between thermos-hydro-bio-geo-chemical processes softwares (HYDRUS, PHREEQC, TOUGH2, MARTHE, Matlab, COMSOL Multiphysics, etc.)
• In-depth skills in theoretical analysis of multiphase reactive hydrosystems results and the exploitation of different data types (geophysics, hydrogeology, geology).
• Skills in measuring the physical, chemical, electrokinetic and electrochemical properties (redox processes of geological bodies and associated fluids).
• Exploiting hydrogeophysic knowledge would be a plus.
• Teamwork mindset and curiosity to interact with specialists in related fields.
• Proficiency in programming languages (Fortran, Python, C, C++, etc.).
• Strong writing ability for scientific papers.
• Excellent English language skills (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Critical analysis of geochemical and mineralogical data acquired on the O-ZNS site.
• Compilation of bibliographic kinetic data for mineral and organic matter reactions and microbiological respiration.
• Organize heterogeneous and multi-domain databases to ensure interoperability aiming to develop the O-ZNS digital twins for RTM.
• Interpret observation data using numerical models of mass/heat transfer in UZ, and identify the fate and pathways of agricultural pollutants.
• Contribute to lab experimentation conceptualisation using ISTO soil columns and analytical techniques for water, gases and minerals.
• Contribute to scientific valorisation and presentation of results in workshops and international conferences.
• Interact with network partners of the O-ZNS project and contribute to proposals for ANR, Horizon Europe projects.

Skills

Numerical modelling

Thermo-kinetics

Data interpretation

HYDRUS

PHREEQC

TOUGH2

MARTHE

MATLAB

COMSOL Multiphysics

Fortran

Python

C

C++

English

Tools

HYDRUS

PHREEQC

TOUGH2

MARTHE

MATLAB

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

CNRS – Institut des Sciences de la Terre d’Orléans seeks a postdoctoral researcher to model reactive transport in the unsaturated zone (UZ) at the Beauce aquifer, integrating geoscience data to build a hydrogeological model. You will work with the O-ZNS observatory, using multi-physics tools to interpret geochemical data and develop digital twins for RTM.

The role involves collaboration with ISTO and BRGM teams, developing codes and methods, and presenting results at international venues.