About the Program
CNRS invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship in palaeoclimatology and isotopic and organic geochemistry at the Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement (LSCE) in France. This doctoral project forms part of the ANR–FAPESP AMACLIM project (2025–2029), led by Dr Aline Govin (LSCE) and Dr Cristiano Chiessi (University of São Paulo). The research focuses on understanding long-term interactions between the atmosphere, land and ocean systems that shaped Amazon climate and vegetation changes over the last two glacial cycles. The PhD student will work with sediment cores from the AMARYLLIS–AMAGAS campaign, applying advanced molecular biomarker techniques, compound-specific isotope analyses, and high-resolution palaeoclimate reconstruction methods. This project offers interdisciplinary training, international collaboration and opportunities for congress travel and partner visits.
Program Details
- Position: Fully funded PhD Studentship
- Institution: CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research
- Department/Faculty: Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement (LSCE)
- Supervisor: Dr Aline Govin (LSCE), in collaboration with Dr Cristiano Chiessi (University of São Paulo)
- Location: Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Start Date (Anticipated): February 2026
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Funding: Fully funded via ANR AMACLIM (salary, laboratory analyses, congress travel, partner visits)
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Required Degree/Diploma: Master 2 (or equivalent) in environmental sciences, geochemistry or palaeoclimates
Research Focus/Area
- Palaeoclimatology
- Organic geochemistry
- Isotopic geochemistry (δ²H and δ¹³C)
- Molecular biomarkers (n-alkanes, fatty acids, triterpenoids)
- Amazon Basin hydroclimate variability
- Glacial-interglacial climate dynamics
- Marine sediment core analysis
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree (Master 2) in environmental sciences, geochemistry or palaeoclimates
- Solid background in organic geochemistry and palaeoclimate studies
- Strong laboratory skills and training in good lab practices
- Fluency in English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous research or internship experience in molecular biomarkers or isotope geochemistry
- Experience in interdisciplinary and international research settings
- Familiarity with GC-FID, GC-MS, GC-IRMS or sediment core analysis techniques
Key Features of the Program
- Fully funded PhD with dedicated ANR project support
- Access to advanced laboratories at LSCE
- Training in molecular biomarker extraction, purification and isotopic measurement
- International collaboration with the University of São Paulo
- Funding for conferences, workshops and partner visits
- Opportunity to contribute to climate-vegetation reconstructions over the last 220,000 years
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application via the CNRS recruitment portal.
Required Documents:
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter
- Contact details of referees
- Any relevant research output (if applicable)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 5 November 2025
- Deadline: 25 November 2025
- Interviews: Not specified
Where to Apply
- University Website: CNRS
- Official Notification: click here
- Application Portal: click here
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