Paris-Saclay University

Université Paris-Saclay is a leading research-intensive university located south of Paris, France, with approximately 50,000 students and over 8,000 researchers and academic staff. It encompasses 15 member institutions, including prestigious grandes écoles and research organizations such as CentraleSupélec, AgroParisTech, and CNRS. The university offers a comprehensive range of programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels across various disciplines, including science and engineering, life and health sciences, and humanities and social sciences. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, Université Paris-Saclay is recognized as one of the top universities in France and ranks among the top 20 globally in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024.

GEOPS (Geosciences Paris-Saclay) is a Joint Research Unit established in 2004. It is affiliated with Paris-Saclay University and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). It is composed of 4 teams working on : (a) past climate dynamics and sedimentary processes, (b) geochronology and geomorphology of planetary and volcanic systems, © the critical zone, and (d) sedimentary reservoirs and resources.

Homepage: https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the field of sedimentology and sediment geochemistry at Paris-Saclay University, France. The position is for 12–18 months, depending on previous experience. The selected candidate will work on improving sedimentary organic carbon budgets in the Patagonian fjords, using a combination of (a) sequential sediment trap samples, (b) sediment cores, and © satellite-derived data. More specifically, the project will investigate the spatial and temporal variability in fjord organic carbon accumulation rates in the context of a changing climate. The selected candidate is expected to participate in a research cruise in Patagonia in December 2025 and they will work in close collaboration with one PhD student, as well as collaborators at e.g., Geo-Ocean (France), EOMAP (Germany), the University of St Andrews (UK), and the University of Concepción (Chile). The postdoctoral fellow will be part of the “Paleoclimatology and Sediment Dynamics” research group at Geosciences Paris-Saclay (GEOPS).

The project involves intensive laboratory work focused on sedimentology (grain size, suspended sediment concentrations), sediment chronology (radionuclides), organic geochemistry (TOC, δ13C, 14C), and satellite-derived turbidity. The expected start date is October or November 2025.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Sedimentology, Marine Geoscience, Oceanography, Environmental Sciences, or a related field, and they have experience with fjord sedimentary processes, organic carbon, and/or aquatic instrumentation and remote sensing. A PhD degree is required at the time of appointment. We expect the candidate to be highly motivated, organized, and fluent in spoken and written English. Excellent team-working and analytical skills are required. Knowledge of Spanish and international experience is an advantage.

We offer a competitive salary, funds to conduct research activities, and access to state-of-the art analytical facilities (https://panoply-geops.lsce.ipsl.fr/index.php/en/). Additional information regarding living in France and working at Paris-Saclay University can be found on https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en

For informal enquiries, feel free to contact sebastien.bertrand@universite-paris-saclay.fr

To apply, please send a single pdf file containing 1) a motivation letter (personal statement describing research experience and interests), 2) an up-to-date CV (including list of publications, education history and brief description of PhD thesis and previous postdoc projects), and 3) name and contact information of two references to sebastien.bertrand@universite-paris-saclay.fr. The deadline to submit applications is September 5, 2025.

See also: https://tinyurl.com/Fjord-postdoc