University of Rennes

Géosciences Rennes is a CNRS/University of Rennes laboratory with about 60 full-time researchers having a broad range of expertise from hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, geochemistry and geophysics. The Geosciences Rennes Water Resources Group, composed of about 15 permanent staff members, is internationally renowned in i) groundwater modelling, ii) lab experiments on heat and solute transport, and iii) on site-characterization of flow, chemical and thermal transport processes in the field. In particular, the group developed recent expertise in hydrogeophysics and instrumentation to develop low cost sensors, down-hole sensors and multi-physics distributed sensing.

Homepage: https://geosciences.univ-rennes.fr/

Benefits:

• Wide range of stimulating activities in an ambitious and research-oriented team
• Flexible working hours
• 5 to 6 full weeks of vacations/year
• Full health insurance cover
• A friendly working environment at Geosciences Rennes
• Individual support in preparation for a career in science or industry
• Support for international students and young researchers in relocating to Rennes through the CMI service

Homepage: https://geosciences.univ-rennes.fr/

2 years post-doctoral position, with a possible extension for a third-year.

The development of fiber optic sensing technology opened new opportunities to characterise the spatial and temporal dynamics of hydrological processes. Among the different applications, Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), which relies on Rayleigh backscattering, enables the measurement of seismic-acoustic waves at a high sensitivity across large distances. This project will test the capacity of DAS to perform bioacoustic and hydroacoustic measurements at very high spatial resolution to characterize mixing processes and degassing linked to decomposition of organic material.

The successful candidate will be an experienced DAS user or an environmental seismologist. Thus, we are looking for a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to work on this large topic. Tasks will include several months carrying out remote field-work in a biodiversity reserve lake to deploy a fibre optic cable and install complementary sensors for environmental monitoring. A preliminary objective will be to complete laboratory work to analyze acoustic signals of bubbles emitted in an experimental tank to better identify in the field the characteristics of degassing. The successful candidate wil be in charge of the monitoring and processing of the acoustic data to determine the origin of the various signals (degassing, bioacoustics, etc). Additional monitoring are planned in hydrology, ecology, and for imaging the spatiotemporal temperature variations through Distributed Temperature Sensing. The postdoctoral researcher will work within an interdisciplinary team comprising ecologists, hydrologists, and specialists in acoustics and hydrological instrumentation.

Your qualifications:

• A PhD in Geophysics, Earth Science, Hydrology or Civil Engineering
• Experienced user of DAS or environmental seismology
• Experience with computer programming /scripting (Python, Matlab, R...)
• Data processing using deep-learning would be beneficial
• A high level of competence in oral and written English
• Applicants must be able to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate excellent collaborative skills
• Willingness to travel internationally to attend conferences

To obtain more informations, please contact Olivier.Bour@univ-rennes.fr or Alain.Crave@univ-rennes.fr who will provide more detailed information on the project.

To apply, applicants are encouraged to provide the following documents in English language, possibly compiled into a single PDF file, to Olivier.Bour@univ-rennes.fr, Yves.Legonidec@univ-rennes.fr, Alexandrine.Pannard@univ-rennes.fr and Alain.Crave@univ-rennes.fr :

• Cover letter explaining your motivation to do a post-doc in this field.
• A CV
• A web link to a writing-sample, such as a masters or PhD thesis or similar (term paper, published article, etc.)
• Contact information of two references
• Copies of your Master and PhD degrees with transcripts

Review of applications will begin early May, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is September 2026.