EU-funded postdoctoral position, La Rochelle, France - carbon dynamics in mudlfats
Vincent Le Fouest
Fixed-term Postdoctoral Position in Microphytobenthos, Carbon Fluxes, and Carbon Burial Numerical Modeling (24 months) – La Rochelle University, France
The project
This project is part of the EU-funded REWRITE initiative (https://rewriteproject.eu), which explores “rewilding” as a nature-based solution to restore and enhance the ecological resilience of Europe’s intertidal ecosystems. In REWRITE, our goal is to assess the capacity of intertidal microphytobenthos (MPB)—microscopic algae inhabiting the boundary between land and sea—to store "blue carbon" in diverse European mudflat ecosystems. To achieve this, we will integrate cutting-edge sediment diagenetic and MPB models with both field observations and remote sensing data.
We are seeking a highly motivated early-career researcher to focus on quantifying carbon fluxes and burial capacity, if any, driven by MPB using advanced numerical modeling. The researcher will couple a diagenetic model to an existing MPB model and refine the physical, biogeochemical and biological processes represented in the diagenetic model, with particular attention to improving sediment–water interactions in a tidal context. Building on recent progress of the host team in MPB modeling (Savelli et al., 2024), diagenetic and carbon cycle modeling (van der Zant et al., 2026), and in situ-derived organic carbon accumulation (Amann et al., 2026), the researcher will play a key role in advancing understanding of coastal biogeochemical dynamics.
The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international team of researchers and to take part in both national and international research initiatives.
References
Savelli, R., Le Fouest, V., Becker, M. et al. Warming could shift the phenological responses of benthic microalgae in temperate intertidal zones. Commun Earth Environ 5, 606 (2024). https://doi-org.inee.bib.cnrs.fr/10.1038/s43247-024-01764-2
van der Zant, H. F., Sulpis, O., Middelburg, J. J., Humphreys, M. P., Savelli, R., Carroll, D., Menemenlis, D., Sušelj, K., and Le Fouest, V. RADIv2: an adaptable and versatile diagenetic model for coastal and open-ocean sediments, Geosci. Model Dev., 19, 1965–1989 (2026). https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-1965-2026
Amann, B., Dubillot, B., Chaumillon, et al. Organic carbon composition and preservation in macrotidal coastal wetland sediment: Insights from biomarkers and isotopic signatures. Science of the Total Environment, 1020, 181542 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2026.181542
The hosting laboratory
The researcher will be hosted at LIENSs, La Rochelle University, located in the coastal city of La Rochelle, France. LIENSs is an Interdisciplinary Joint Research Unit jointly operated by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and La Rochelle University. The laboratory focuses on the sustainability of coastal environments, which are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and human activities. It brings together around 80 researchers, 29 permanent engineers and technicians, 24 postdoctoral and visiting researchers, and 40 doctoral students.
Skills and requirements
· PhD in Biogeochemistry, Geosciences, Applied Mathematics, or Oceanography
· Strong expertise in numerical modeling, biogeochemistry, and land-sea interfaces
· Proficiency in Python programming; knowledge of Julia is a strong asset
· Excellent English skills, both written and verbal, with effective communication abilities
· A one-page cover letter detailing your motivation and qualifications
· A comprehensive curriculum vitae, including publications and educational background
· Contact information for two academic references
For inquiries about the position, please feel free to
contact Vincent Le Fouest at the provided email address