Assess and optimise the production potential of biomass for different uses in the context of the energy and agroecological transition.

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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.

Work environment, missions and activities

Nature and purpose of the research project to be developed and related activities
Assessing and optimising biomass production for different uses (food, bioenergy, biomolecules and bio-sourced materials) is an important lever to address the challenges of agroecological and energy transitions, as well as net zero carbon. However, this raises numerous questions linked to the assessment of the available resources, competition between users, the sustainability of the production and conversion systems considered, and the influence of constraints related to climate change. Your recruitment aims to establish tools to assess biomass resources on a territorial scale, drawing more specifically on agroecosystem modelling approaches, as well as to explore and assess innovative sustainable production scenarios for different types of biomass (crop residues, dedicated perennial or annual crops, intermediate crops…) adapted to the multiple potential uses of this biomass (food, energy production depending on the possible channels, production of biomolecules, preservation of soil quality…). The research questions concern (i) the dynamic evolution of biomass resources, in particular regarding the constraints associated with climate change, and (ii) the identification and assessment of scenarios enabling diversified production and taking into account the diversity of the potential conversion and the related sectors. The general approach implemented will combine the joint development with the players, their modelling using plot-scale and territorial-scale models, and their multi-criteria assessment (use of soils, food and energy production, greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage…), with a view–in the medium-term–to expanding to bigger spatial scales. The ultimate challenge is to reinforce the capacity of INRAE to inform public policies and identify the needs arising in different fields of research (biogeochemical cycles, genetic improvement, modelling of matter and energy flows…).

Nature and purpose of the teaching project
The ambition of the teaching project associated with your recruitment is to train researchers who, in the future, will work on methods of designing and assessing bioeconomics scenarios, as well as territorial executives who will be involved in their operational implementation and the assessment of biomass resources of the territories. The objective is to develop, for a 5-year period, a coherent training course in the form of a Master’s specialisation for which you will be the coordinator. The training course will include raising awareness of issues linked to the bioeconomy, sound elements on the production of different types of biomass, the related constraints, their potential for different uses and services, and any potential tensions or synergies that may ensue. Emphasis will be placed on the scenario development process (participatory methods), the involvement of various categories of players (farmers, processors, consumers), the modelling and multi-criteria assessment of the performances of the territorial scenarios envisioned, and the related methods. Initially, your contribution will be in the form of coordinated actions (doctoral training modules for example) in the various higher education establishments associated with BioEcoAgro in France and Belgium (Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Junia, University of Lille…) to supplement the existing curriculum and gradually establish an independent training course.

Funding and related resources
ANR Package : €200 000
INRAE Package : €121 000
Total : €321 000

Training and skills

PhD or equivalent 
You have in-depth skills in agronomy and crop modelling. Knowledge on the conversion and fractionation of biomass and/or the assessment of environmental impacts on agricultural systems would be particularly appreciated. You have a taste for transmission and teaching. A good command of English and long-term international experience would be desirable.

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.

International scientists, please visit your guide to facilitate your arrival and stay at INRAE.

Type of contract

Tenure-Track Junior Professor Chair enables recruitment of scientists based on a research and teaching project that lasts three years. At the end of this period, and following an assessment of your scientific achievements and professional capabilities, you may obtain a full-tenure position as Research Director (DR2).

A research and teaching agreement will specify the path you will follow towards full-tenure and enable you to acquire the qualifications necessary to become a full-tenure Research Director in your field.

You have until April 12, 2024 to submit your application. Only candidates previously selected on file by the selection committee will be invited to the hearing.