Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Arctic Trace Metal Biogeochemistry, LEMAR/IUEM, Brest, France

Job opportunities

27 May 2025

The Laboratoire des Sciences de l’Environnement Marin (LEMAR) at the Université de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO) in Brest, France, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a collaborative research effort focused on the biogeochemical cycling of bio-essential trace metals in the Arctic Ocean. This position is part of the international GEOTRACES program, and the work will make use of particulate trace metal samples collected and analysed during Arctic cruises (e.g. GEOTRACES GN04, Polar Beast).

This research is also embedded in the French national program PPR Climarctic, which aims to enhance understanding of climate-driven changes in the Arctic and their global consequences. The selected candidate will contribute to the scientific goals of Climarctic by investigating the role of trace metals in Arctic.

This 24-month position is based at LEMAR/IUEM, a leading French research institute in marine biogeochemistry, located on the coast of Brittany. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Hélène Planquette, in collaboration with national and international partners involved in the Arctic GEOTRACES and Climarctic initiatives.

Tasks:

  • Perform acid digestion and analysis of particulate trace metals in suspended material
  • Interpret these new results by revisiting existing datasets to quantify regional connectivity and investigate the underlying controls, such as ocean circulation patterns and timescales.
  • Disseminate your results through scientific seminars, international conferences, and by contributing to peer-reviewed publications (A-rank journals).

Qualifications:

PhD in marine biogeochemistry or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in the biogeochemical cycling of trace metals.

  • Strong skills in ultraclean lab techniques, analytical protocols, and data processing.
  • Comfortable using specialized software tools for data analysis and visualization.
  • Organized, methodical, and able to manage priorities under time constraints.
  • Good communication and writing skills in English; ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Open-minded, collaborative, and enthusiastic about participating in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Employment conditions:

  • 45 days of annual leave
  • Access to university restaurant and social benefits (transport, childcare vouchers, holiday subsidies, health insurance aid)
  • Access to over 50 sports and cultural activities
  • Career development support and training
  • Inclusive and supportive working environment (equality, diversity, family-friendly)
  • Workplace: LEMAR/IUEM, Rue Dumont d’Urville, 29280 Plouzané (Brittany, France)
  • Employer: Université de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO) – in partnership with CNRS and ISblue
  • Job title (UBO classification): Marine Biogeochemistry Research Engineer – Category A

To apply: send to helene.planquette@univ-brest.fr

  • Cover letter describing your research background and interest in the position
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information for two references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The preferred start date is mid-september, with flexibility depending on the candidate’s availability.

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