Le Mans University, France, is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Palaeoglaciology and Artificial Intelligence within the Laboratoire de Planétologie et de Géosciences (LPG). Applications remain open until 19 July 2026. The position supports the DEEPICE project, which integrates glacial geomorphology, remote sensing, digital elevation model analysis, and deep learning methods.
The successful candidate will contribute to research examining former ice-sheet dynamics through the large-scale detection and analysis of subglacial bedforms. The project combines geospatial data processing, satellite imagery, and computer vision approaches to develop an automated workflow supporting palaeoglaciological reconstruction and quantitative geomorphological investigation.
In addition to technical development, the researcher will build training and validation datasets from annotated landforms and assess deep-learning models for segmentation and object detection. The resulting datasets will support the creation of a comprehensive database containing morphometric parameters and mapped subglacial features across sectors of the Laurentide Ice Sheet.
As part of an interdisciplinary research environment, the postdoctoral researcher will undertake spatial and multivariate analyses while collaborating with specialists in geomorphology, geographic information systems, and artificial intelligence. The project aims to improve understanding of historical ice-flow patterns and meltwater pathways through advanced computational methodologies.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Palaeoglaciology and Artificial Intelligence
- Institution: Le Mans University, France
- Department: Laboratoire de Planétologie et de Géosciences (LPG – UMR CNRS 6112)
- Research Disciplines: Palaeoglaciology, Geosciences, Remote Sensing, Geomorphology, Artificial Intelligence
- Location: Le Mans, France
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: 12 Months
- Start Date: September 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time (100%)
- Salary/Funding: Gross monthly salary of €3,030
- Required Qualification: PhD or equivalent
Research Area
This Postdoctoral Researcher in Palaeoglaciology combines geosciences, artificial intelligence, and geospatial analysis to investigate former ice-sheet landscapes and subglacial landforms. Research areas include:
- Palaeoglaciology and Glacial Geomorphology
- Remote Sensing, Satellite Imagery, and DEM Analysis
- Deep Learning and Computer Vision
- Geospatial Data Science and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Earth Surface Processes and Landscape Evolution
Eligibility/Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- PhD or equivalent in Geosciences, Computer Science, or a related discipline
- Strong proficiency in Python programming
- Experience with GIS and geospatial data processing tools
- Knowledge of raster, DEM, and satellite imagery analysis
- Experience applying deep-learning methods to computer vision tasks
- Ability to manage, document, and process large datasets
- Interest in glaciology, quantitative geomorphology, or remote sensing research
- Ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative research projects
- Strong scientific communication skills in English
- French language skills are desirable but not mandatory
Key Responsibilities
The selected researcher will undertake the following activities:
- Select and preprocess ArcticDEM, Sentinel, Landsat, and related datasets
- Build and document training and validation datasets from annotated subglacial landforms
- Design, train, optimise, and evaluate deep-learning detection models
- Produce databases containing outlines and morphometric measurements of subglacial bedforms
- Conduct spatial and multivariate analyses supporting palaeoglaciological interpretation
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers working across geomorphology, GIS, and artificial intelligence
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a complete application before the closing date. Documents not written in French must be accompanied by an appropriate translation.
Required documents:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Doctoral Degree Certificate
Applications should be submitted to: edouard.ravier@univ-lemans.fr
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 18 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 19 July 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Paris)
- Interview Period: Shortlisted candidates will be invited following pre-selection
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
Applications are reviewed through a competitive selection process, and interested candidates should ensure all required materials are submitted before the closing deadline.
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Institutional Overview
Le Mans University is a public research university in France that offers education and research opportunities across science, engineering, technology, humanities, and social sciences. The university supports interdisciplinary research and academic collaboration, providing researchers with access to specialised facilities and a dynamic scholarly environment.
The Laboratoire de Planétologie et de Géosciences (LPG – UMR CNRS 6112), where this position is based, is a research laboratory specialising in Earth sciences, geomorphology, environmental change, and geospatial analysis. Through research in remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and computational methods, the laboratory contributes to the study of landscape evolution, Earth surface processes, and past environmental change.
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