Research Engineer - Climate Modeling and downscaling H/F

Leti Cea; Saint-Aubin; Remote; EUR 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site restaurant

Remote work options (policy-dependent)

Shuttle services from Paris

Job summary

CEA's LSCE seeks a Research Engineer to advance high-resolution climate simulations and downscaling methods for Holocene epochs. You will integrate global simulations with regionalized IPSL configurations to study monsoon dynamics and glacier changes in the Himalayas.

The role focuses on developing statistical downscaling, evaluating against observations, and drafting scientific reports in collaboration with project partners within the CIME framework.

Qualifications

• PhD in climate science with a focus on modeling components of the climate system.
• Proficiency in English per CEA requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-resolution climate simulations and statistical downscaling for Holocene period.
• Configure and run zoomed IPSL configurations focusing on the Indian sector.
• Develop methodological improvements for combining regional and global downscaling approaches.

Skills

PhD in climate modeling

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in climate modeling

Tools

IPSL climate model

CMIP experiments

Job description

Research Engineer - Climate Modeling and downscaling H/F

Contrat

CDD

Research Engineer - Climate Modeling and downscaling H/F

Cadre

33 months

We are seeking a Research Engineer to perform high-resolution climate simulations to study the conditions that influenced the evolution of Himalayan glaciers in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. As a core part of the modeling component of the ANR CIME project, this position aims to reconstruct the history of these glaciers during the Holocene (the last 11,600 years) by integrating climate and geomorphology. The objective is to better understand their past fluctuations and anticipate their future evolution, as well as the associated risks to water resources and natural hazards.

The position is based at the LSCE, one of the four partner laboratories of the project (CEREGE, Aix-Marseille; IGE, Grenoble; EPOC, Bordeaux). The LSCE hosts two teams woring on the CIME projet comprising specialists in Holocene climate simulations and statisticians expert in downscaling methods. The objective is to analyze local conditions in close collaboration with experts in glacier dynamics.

You will develop dynamic and statistical downscaling methods based on global climate simulations covering the last 6,000 years, which you will then refine using regionalized configurations of the IPSL climate model. This work will enable the study of local climatic conditions and the role of major Holocene events, particularly those occurring 8,200 and 4,200 years ago. The results will be validated using available meteorological observations and climate reconstructions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform statistical downscaling based on current climate simulations (from the CMIP intercomparison project) and key periods of a transient simulation covering the last 6,000 years of the Holocene.
• Implement "zoomed" configurations focusing on the Indian sector using the IPSL climate model, and conduct simulations of specific Holocene events.
• Develop methodological improvements to refine downscaling techniques by combining regional (or guided-zoom) simulations and statistical downscaling, with or without bias correction.
• Collaborate closely with project partners to identify key time periods and analyze variables relevant to monsoon regimes and the climatic conditions constraining the evolution of the studied Himalayan glaciers.
• Evaluate simulation results against meteorological data from the Himalayan region and available paleoclimate reconstructions.
• Draft reports and scientific articles presenting the methodologies and results of the studies in collaboration with other project partners.

You hold a PhD in climate modeling, focusing on one or more components of the climate system.

You are recognized for :

• Your ability to work in a team and collaborate with stakeholders of diverse expertise.
• Your autonomy, creativity, and initiative.
• Your ability to communicate, report on your work, and proactively propose new ideas.
• Your interest in the dissemination and valorization of scientific results.

Required Skills :

• Expertise in modeling one or more components of the climate system.
• Proficiency in English, in accordance with CEA requirements.

Application Process

The application deadline is November 10. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The start date is planned for early 2027, depending on the date the recruitment file is submitted.
Please note : A security clearance (administrative inquiry) is conducted for all CEA employees to ensure national integrity and security. This process involves a delay of approximately 3 months before taking up the position.

Why Join Us?
By joining the LSCE, you will become part of a world-leading research laboratory in the fields of climate, environment, and life sciences. Within the CIME team project you will contribute to develop new research directions.

AND THAT’S NOT ALL! Other benefits of the position include :

• A stimulating scientific environment dedicated to large-scale research projects.
• Training opportunities to strengthen your skills and support your professional development.
• A healthy work-life balance.
• A comprehensive CSE (Social and Economic Committee) offering social, cultural, and sporting benefits.
• Practical perks: on-site restaurant, remote work options (according to current policies), shuttle services from Paris, etc.

In line with the CEA’s commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities, this position is open to all applicants. The CEA offers reasonable adjustments and/or flexible working arrangements to support the inclusion of employees with disabilities.

Référence

2026-42391

The Directorate of Fundamental Research (DRF) of the CEA conducts scientific activities in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and health, materials science, climate and environmental sciences, and digital technologies. It brings together more than 6,000 people—including researchers, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff—across the Cadarache, Grenoble, Marcoule, and Paris-Saclay centers, developing and implementing cutting-edge technologies and instrumentation for research and innovation.

The LSCE is a Joint Research Unit (UMR 8212) between the CEA, the CNRS, and the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), located on the Saclay plateau. The LSCE comprises approximately 350 researchers, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff, including 150 permanent staff members from the three overseeing institutions and approximately fifty PhD students.
The LSCE's missions focus on research regarding the evolution of the Earth's climate and its environment—past, present, and future—relying on observations, laboratory analyses, and modeling. The LSCE is organized into three scientific themes. Each theme consists of 4 to 7 research teams centered around common tools and/or research topics. The LSCE also relies on several platforms: PANOPLY for analytical geochemistry, ICOS (for greenhouse gas monitoring), ACTRIS (for atmospheric pollution monitoring), and the Earth System modeling platform.
Scientific activity is supported by three support teams that play a key role in the organization and management of safety, IT, and administrative aspects. These teams work in close collaboration with the research teams.