OPEN COMPETITIONS CR26-AgroEcoSystem-3
Junior research scientist in agroecosystem biogeochemistry and biogeophysics
31400 TOULOUSE
Back to campaign's jobs listing
INRAE presentation
INRAE, the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment, is a public research organization bringing together 12,000 employees across 272 units in 18 centers across France. As the world’s leading institute specializing in agriculture, food, and the environment, INRAE plays a key role in supporting the necessary transitions to address global challenges.
Faced with population growth, food security challenges, climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss, INRAE is committed to developing scientific solutions and supporting the evolution of agricultural, food, and environmental practices.
INRAE is recruiting researchers by open competition and offering permanent position.
Work environment, missions and activities
You will join the CESBIO (Centre for the study of the biosphere from space, https://www.cesbio.cnrs.fr) joint research unit associating INRAE/Univ Toulouse/CNES/CNRS/IRD, located in Toulouse. The research conducted at CESBIO aims to study the functioning and dynamics of the continental biosphere under climatic and anthropological constraints with considerable use of satellite remote sensing. Within this unit, you will join the AgroEcosystems team that develops spatialised modelling approaches to estimate production, flows, and balance of C, water, and energy. You will be supported by researchers and engineers developing and using the AgroCarbonEO chain.Assessing the contribution of agriculture to climate change has long been based primarily on the understanding of biogeochemical-type processes (agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), soil carbon sequestration), without taking into account biogeophysical processes, of which the contribution to potential climate cooling remains largely overlooked. This is the case of albedo, of which the management through agricultural practices has consequences on the radiative forcing of the atmosphere that remain to be specified. For instance, it is probable that the presence of catch and cover crops allows synergies between the biogeochemical and biogeophysical effects to mitigate global warming; the effects of other practices remain to be shown, in particular on agroecological systems or systems in transition.
Within this context, you will develop work aimed at qualifying, measuring, and modelling the dynamics of agricultural surface albedo. You will draw on modelling approaches assimilating remote sensing data in spatialised agronomical models to objectify the biogeochemical and biogeophysical effects of agricultural practices over extensive areas. Your work will allow climate modellers to better assess the net climate effects of changes in practices at regional/global level, and climate feedback on crop functioning.
You will analyse the processes and determinants (e.g. soil and climate, practices, vegetation) of albedo dynamics of agricultural land and their effects on the climate to identify relevant agricultural practices to reduce global warming. You will develop work on the modelling platform AgriCarbon-EO developed at CESBIO to simulate the dynamics of biogeophysical processes induced by changes in practices.
Training and skills
Competition open to candidates with a PhD (or equivalent).
A PhD in bioclimatology, agronomy, soil science or remote sensing is highly recommended, and familiarity with modelling of agro-ecosystem functioning would be appreciated.
Expertise in the processing of remote sensing time series would be desirable. Skills in image processing and scientific calculation would be appreciated.
Candidates should have a good command of English, and long-term international experience would also be desirable. Successful candidates who have not yet acquired this experience abroad will be required to do so after their probationary period (1st year).
Your future job explained in video
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.
How to apply
- I download the applicant guide Guide for applicants 2026 pdf - 1.41 MB
- I write down the profile number CR26-AgroEcoSystem-3
- I apply GO
All persons employed by or hosted at INRAE, a public research establishment, are subject to the Civil Service Code, particularly with regard to the obligation of neutrality and respect for the principle of secularism. In carrying out their functions, whether or not they are in contact with the public, they must not express their religious, philosophical or political convictions through their behaviour or by what they wear. > Find out more: fonction publique.gouv.fr website (in French)