Junior research scientist in model-measurement coupling for fluid dynamics

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INRAE presentation

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (INRAE) is a public research establishment under the dual authority of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Research.

INRAE is recruiting researchers by open competition and offering permanent position.

It is a major player in research and innovation created on 1^st of January 2020. INRAE is a research institute resulting from the merger of INRA and IRSTEA. It is a community of 12,000 people with more than 200 research units and 42 experimental units located throughout France.

The institute is among the world leaders in agricultural and food sciences, in plant and animal sciences, and is 11^th in the world in ecology and environment. INRAE’s main goal is to be a key player in the transitions necessary to address major global challenges. In the face of the increase in population, climate change, scarcity of resources and decline in biodiversity, the institute develops solutions for multiperformance agriculture, high quality food and sustainable management of resources and ecosystems.

Work environment, missions and activities

OPAALE develops research activities aimed at promoting innovative technological and organisational solutions for the valorisation of biomasses and waste and technological solutions for controlling the conditions surrounding valorisation processes. Within this unit you will join the ACTA team, which conducts research activities in measurement, modelling-simulation and monitoring-control of flows. The aim is to build predictive numerical representations of fluid dynamics, with a view to deploying solutions at real scale. To describe the essential mechanisms of fluid dynamics, the relationship between the different scales and the uncertainties linked to the data and numerical representations, the team has contributed to the development of a new family of stochastic models called dynamics under positional uncertainty. This description of flow dynamics provides a relevant mathematical and physical framework for building predictive models based on a coupling with measurements.
You will contribute to one of the major axes of the team dealing with methodological aspects. In particular, your research will aim to develop methods for coupling fluid dynamics models with data, in order to build rapid measurement and/or simulation tools for monitoring and control. The specific aim will be to develop multi-scale and reduced modelling and sensor data assimilation schemes. On these issues you will work in close collaboration with the team's fluid mechanics and an automatician, notably within collaborative projects combining methodological developments and concrete applications

Training and skills

Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent.
A PhD in applied mathematics or engineering sciences, as well as a strong interest in modelling turbulent fluid systems would be appreciated. A solid command of the analysis of dynamic systems (whether in the form of PDEs, ODEs, deterministic or stochastic) is highly desirable. A first experience in multi-scale modelling and data coupling is recommended; in particular, the care taken in the interpretation, validation and even calibration of the model(s) produced will be particularly appreciated. You enjoy teamwork and you have good interpersonal skills.
Fluency in English is desirable, as well as long-term international experience: successful candidates who have not yet had such experience will be required to spend time abroad at the end of the internship year.

INRAE's life quality

By joining our teams, you benefit from:

- 30 days of annual leave + 15 days "Reduction of Working Time" (for a full time);
- parenting support: CESU childcare, leisure services;
- skills development systems: training, career advise;
- social support: advice and listening, social assistance and loans;
- holiday and leisure services: holiday vouchers, accommodation at preferential rates;
- sports and cultural activities;
- collective catering.

For international scientists: please visit your guide to facilitate your arrival and stay at INRAE.