About the PhD Position
CNRS invites applications for a Fully Funded PhD in Seismology and Luminescence Dating within the Géosciences Rennes research unit, Rennes, France. This doctoral project aims to investigate the Quaternary seismic history of the Armorican Massif by combining palaeoseismology, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, and archaeological surveys. The position will be supervised by Guillaume Guérin, Philippe Steer, and Clément Perrin, and is affiliated with the ANR FaSiRé research project.
The PhD position is funded for three years and offers a temporary full-time contract. Research activities include OSL dating of sediments and rocks, LiDAR and satellite-based topographic analysis, Bayesian chronological modelling, and fieldwork across Brittany. Students will participate in archaeological and palaeoseismological surveys, focusing on the interaction between natural seismic events and anthropogenic structures such as megaliths.
This program provides structured doctoral training, access to advanced laboratories at Géosciences Rennes, and collaborative opportunities with an interdisciplinary team of seismologists, archaeologists, and physicists. Candidates will gain hands-on experience in geochronology, GIS, programming, and data analysis.
This opportunity is particularly suitable for candidates with a background in Earth Sciences, Physics, or Archaeology who aim to pursue academic, research, or postdoctoral careers in Environmental Science, Seismology, and Quaternary Geology.
Discover fully funded PhD and research opportunities in Earth Sciences worldwide, enabling international scholars to advance their academic careers, gain practical experience, and engage in innovative scientific research.
Program Overview
- Position: Fully Funded PhD / Doctoral Researcher in Seismology & Luminescence Dating
- Position Type: Temporary, Full-time
- Institution: CNRS, France
- Department: Géosciences Rennes, Faculty of Earth Sciences
- Research Group: ANR FaSiRé (Archeo-seismicity)
- Superviseurs: Guillaume Guérin, Philippe Steer, Clément Perrin
- Location: Rennes, France
- Duration: 3 years
- Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Funding: Fully Funded, Temporary Contract
- Employment Type: Full-time, 35 hours/week
- Number of Positions: 1
- Required Degree / Diploma: Master’s in Earth Sciences, Physics, or Archaeology
Discover fully funded PhD and research positions at CNRS, France, offering international scholars the opportunity to advance their academic career, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to innovative research.
Research Focus
- Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of sediments, rocks, and megaliths
- Inventory and analysis of precariously balanced rocks (PBRs)
- Bayesian chronological modelling for seismic event dating
- Fieldwork surveys and archaeological investigations
- GIS and LiDAR-based topographic mapping
Explore advanced research jobs and academic positions in luminescence (OSL) dating, providing global opportunities for scholars to engage in fieldwork, data analysis, and interdisciplinary research collaboration for impactful results.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Earth Sciences, Physics, or Archaeology
- Basic French language proficiency
- Interest in geochronology, laboratory research, and GIS analysis
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with OSL dating or palaeoseismology
- Programming skills (R, Python)
- Experience in geomorphological or archaeological field surveys
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct field surveys and OSL sampling of sediments and rocks
- Perform laboratory-based luminescence and radioactivity measurements
- Analyse LiDAR and satellite data for topographic studies
- Develop chronological models using R programming
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary FaSiRé project team
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the CNRS portal:
🔗 Submit Your Application
Required Documents:
- CV & Cover Letter
- Master’s Degree Certificate
- Academic Transcripts
- References / Recommendation Letters
Important Dates
- Application Open: 26 March 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2026 – 23:59 (UTC)
- Interviews: TBC
- Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026
Where to Apply
- University / Institute Website: Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS)
- Department / Research Group Information: Géosciences Rennes
- Official Job Announcement: PhD Student in Seismology and Luminescence Dating – CNRS
- Application Portal: Submit Your Application
Contact for Queries:
- Guillaume Guérin: guillaume.guerin@univ-rennes.fr
- Philippe Steer: philippe.steer@univ-rennes.fr
- Clément Perrin: clement.perrin@univ-nantes.fr
This PhD fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for international scholars seeking fully funded research support, fieldwork experience, and advanced Earth Science and Archaeology research opportunities at CNRS, France.
Discover fully funded PhD programmes offering interdisciplinary training, international research experience, and global academic opportunities designed for early-career researchers seeking advanced study, career development, and innovative research projects worldwide.
