Post-Doc: Implementing IRMS and laser spectroscopy systems to measure soil and plant fluxes of COS, CO2 and their isotopologues

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INRAE presentation

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is a major player in research and innovation. It is a community of 12,000 people with 272 research, experimental research, and support units located in 18 regional centres throughout France. Internationally, INRAE is among the top research organisations in the agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences, as well as in ecology and environmental science. It is the world’s leading research organisation specialising in agriculture, food and the environment. INRAE’s goal is to be a key player in the transitions necessary to address major global challenges. Faced with a growing world population, climate change, resource scarcity, and declining biodiversity, the Institute has a major role to play in building solutions and supporting the necessary acceleration of agricultural, food and environmental transitions.

Work environment, missions and activities

• Rationale: Rising CO₂ and temperature combined with changes in water availability will modify terrestrial ecosystem photosynthetic uptake and respiratory losses in the near future, but it still remains unclear to what extent. Complementary tracers of the carbon cycle, such as carbon dioxide and carbonyl sulfide isotopologues can provide novel insights on ecosystem processes and help constrain large-scale and long-term CO₂ budgets. However, mechanistic understanding of how rising CO₂ and mycorrhizal partnerships regulate the exchange rates of these tracers between plants, soils and the atmosphere is currently unknown.
• We are looking to hire a postdoc that will become a key member in a new ERC team based in Bordeaux contributing to the development of methods to measure the fluxes of CO₂, water vapour, CO₂ isotopes and COS concentrations and isotopes using automated laser spectroscopy systems and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. The candidate will be responsible for developing a COS isotope calibration framework and conducting a microcosm experiment to measure the COS isotope fractionation of plant and soil material.

Experience measuring the stable isotope compostion of 13C and 34S in different matrices using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry would be an strong asset. The candidate will have the necessary expertise to design, calibrate and implement novel experiments to measure the stable isotope composition of COS gas. In addition the candidate should have skills in the use of IRMS and the ISODAT software. A background and experience of applying Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry or Laser Spectroscopy techniques to investigate environmental problems would also be highly desirable. The candidate will work alongside an assistant engineer on the project as well as postdoctoral researchers and postgraduates. The candidate must also have a proven ability to work in an international research team. The candidate will also demonstrate a competence in communicating in both English and French. A clean driving licence would be useful.

 

• The candidate will be welcomed in to the INRAE unit Interactions Soil Plant Atmosphere and offers the candidate an experience to work within a dynamic and internationally recognised interdisciplinary team working on biogeochemistry and functional ecology with ample opportunity to develop a network with many international collaborators. The successful candidate will contribute to a quantitative description of how the variability in plant-fungal interactions impact atmospheric chemistry. This research position offers exciting opportunities to generate unique insights on soil-plant-atmosphere interactions that will lead to a greater understanding of carbon cycling on Earth. 

Training and skills

• Recommended training: The candidate will have a PhD degree with a focus on chemical/instrumental analysis of stable isotopes, or corresponding competence
• Knowledge required: Experience of gas monitoring using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectroscopy and/or cavity ring-down or QCL spectroscopy techniques, maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instruments and vacuum systems. Fluency in English (both speaking and writing) is a requirement; basic knowledge of French is an advantage (and can be developed in an early phase of the employment with lessons organised by INRAE)
• Appreciated experience: Experience working with atmospheric chemistry and/or soil/plant biogeochemistry would be a bonus although not critical.
• Skills sought: Statistical skills including scripting and knowledge of ISODAT software are essential. Ability to carry out independent and well organised research, work in a team and demonstrate a competence in communicating skills for working in an internationally diverse team.

INRAE's life quality

By joining our teams, you benefit from (depending on the type of contract and its duration):

- up to 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.

How to apply

I send my CV and my motivation letter