Postdoc / Research engineer (M/F) - Role of biodiversity in the carbon cycle (known as blue car[...]

Organisation/Company La Rochelle Université Research Field Environmental science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 16 Jan 2026 - 20:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description La Rochelle University is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher on a fixed-term contract until December 2027.

Project context

La Rochelle aims to become the first urban coastal area in France to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 ( La Rochelle Zero Carbon ). Within this framework, a research focus on blue carbon has been developed as part of the La Rochelle Zero Carbon Territory (LRTZC) project. This focus aims to optimise the carbon sink functions of wetlands and surrounding coastal areas, while strengthening coastal resilience. Salt marshes and intertidal mudflats are of paramount importance in achieving this carbon neutrality. These ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and play a role in the carbon cycle.

As part of the LRTZC project, the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for analysing and evaluating data from ecological and biogeochemical monitoring in order to better understand the role of biodiversity in the blue carbon cycle within vegetated coastal ecosystems. The work will aim to establish links between the structure, functioning and diversity of biological communities and the measured carbon fluxes and stocks (capture and sequestration) in salt marshes and intertidal mudflats.

Particular attention will be paid to functional biodiversity, using approaches based on functional traits and trophic diversity to identify the ecological mechanisms involved in carbon capture, transfer and sequestration. The integration of isotopic analyses (particularly stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes) will enable the characterisation of organic matter sources and carbon transfers within trophic networks, as well as interactions between biological and sedimentary compartments.

The analyses will be conducted at different spatial scales, from the plot to the basin as a whole, as well as at the seasonal scale, at the Baie de l'Aiguillon study site. All of this work is part of an approach aimed at improving the understanding and quantification of the role of coastal ecosystems in mitigating climate change, in support of the objectives of carbon neutrality and coastal resilience promoted by the La Rochelle region.

The candidate will be responsible for:

Formatting biodiversity, carbon flux and biomass data

Writing and producing scientific publications based on the work carried out

Recruitment: Fixed-term contract between April 2026 and December 2027.

If the candidate obtained their doctorate less than three years ago, a postdoctoral contract may be offered. Beyond three years, it will be an equivalent contract, similar to those offered to research engineers

Working hours: full-time

Remuneration: €2,569.69 gross monthly salary in accordance with the La Rochelle University contract staff management charter.

Recruitment open to anyone with RQTH status

PhD in ecology or environmental sciences

Proficiency in data analysis

Ability to work independently

Scientific rigour and sense of ethics

Ability to work collaboratively and participatively

Excellent writing skills, particularly for the publication of scientific articles

Previous experience in empirical research on the carbon cycle and biodiversity

Internal Application form(s) needed

letters of recommendation (from your thesis supervisor, post-doc supervisor, etc.)

copy of your highest degree

This application must be submitted as a single file via the dedicated application form, which can be accessed by clicking here (Job reference: RECH/LIENSs/25-19 )

Please note: The position is in a sector subject to scientific and technical protection regulations and therefore, in accordance with these regulations, the arrival of the successful candidate must be authorised by the competent authority of the MESR.

NO INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS OR APPLICATIONS SENT BY EMAIL WILL BE CONSIDERED.

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