About the Position
A prestigious fixed-term postdoctoral position is available at CEREGE (Centre for Research and Teaching in Environmental Geosciences) in Aix-en-Provence, France. This role focuses on advanced research in triple oxygen isotope geochemistry, investigating climatic and ecological interactions in intertropical Africa over the past 3000 years. The successful candidate will join the internationally recognised CLIMAT team within the PANISS group, contributing to the ANR-funded PAST-17 project. This position offers a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with fieldwork in Tanzania and strong ties to climate modellers and geochemists.
Position Details
- Position: Fixed-Term Researcher in Stable Isotope Geochemistry
- Institution: CEREGE (Centre for Research and Teaching in Environmental Geosciences)
- Department: CLIMAT team – PANISS group
- Research Field: Stable Isotope Geochemistry, Palaeoclimatology, Earth Sciences
- Location: Aix-en-Provence, France
- Number of Post: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral Fixed-Term (18 months)
- Start Date (Anticipated): October 2025
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary Range: €3,081.33 to €4,476.02 gross per month
- Required Degree/Diploma: Doctorate
Research Area
- Stable oxygen isotope geochemistry
- Triple oxygen isotopes (δ¹⁸O, 17O-excess)
- Palaeoclimatology
- Hydrology
- Vegetation–climate feedbacks
- Fire history (natural vs anthropogenic)
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Earth Sciences, Hydrology, or Palaeoclimatology
- 5 to 10 years of relevant research experience
- Proficiency in English
- Experience in laboratory-based isotope analysis
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expertise in stable oxygen isotope geochemistry
- Experience with triple oxygen isotope systems (mass-dependent fractionation)
- Familiarity with radiocarbon (¹⁴C) and lead (²¹⁰Pb) dating techniques
- Experience in phytolith and charcoal analysis
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
Key Responsibilities
- Establish record chronology using radiocarbon and lead dating
- Extract and analyse phytoliths for triple oxygen isotopic composition
- Use 17O-excess as a quantitative proxy for atmospheric relative humidity
- Compare isotopic data with other regional records from West Africa
- Conduct FTIR-based charcoal analysis to distinguish fire origins
- Monitor precipitation isotopes to assess interannual 17O-excess stability
- Investigate Lake Nyasa’s evaporation contribution to regional rainfall
- Collaborate with climate modellers for data integration
- Participate in fieldwork in Tanzania
Application Process
How to Apply:
Apply through the official CNRS Employment Portal. Ensure your profile is updated prior to submission.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Doctoral Certificate
- References or Recommendation Letters
- Research Statement (if applicable)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 3 June 2025
- Deadline: 24 June 2025 (23:59 Paris time)
- Interview Date: Not specified
Useful Links
- Institution Website: https://www.cerege.fr
- Job Posting: Job offer – Research Position in Stable Isotope Geochemistry
- Apply Now: CNRS – Careers Portal