16/05/2011
Postdoctoral position in physics/biology coupling : ecosystem dynamics and vertical mixing in stratified coastal waters
Centre of Excellence Europôle Mer
Global change, Ocean and Marine Ecosystems
Applications open till 15th of September 2010
We seek a person with a strong background in physics/biology coupling. The major task will be to describe the interactions between plankton dynamics and vertical mixing in stratified coastal waters. Plankton dynamics is strongly controlled by stratification erosion during the summer time and two major processes implied in the stratification erosion will be considered: erosion by turbulent mixing (tidal front) and internal waves (solitons). To observe these processes, two areas will be studied: The Ushant tidal front and the continental shelf to the South of Brittany.
The Ushant tidal front is a « natural laboratory » to study mixing processes at small scales due to tide and atmospheric forcing. During the summer, it forms the boundary between the homogenous coastal waters, with high turbulent mixing associated to tidal currents, and the stratified waters of the Celtic Shelf. A set of biological (nutrients, size structure, phyto- and zoo- plankton composition) and physical (mixing rates, CTD profils, Scanfish data) data, obtained during the « FroMBio » project in neap and spring tide conditions, will be exploited. The second target area, where the impact of internal waves on the plankton dynamics will be studied, will be the continental shelf of South Brittany. This area is strongly stratified during the summer and some observations of wave propagation along the pycnocline were performed in 2006 and 2007. During the summer of 2010, a physical and biological data set will be collected to describe internal waves dynamics over the shelf (origin and vertical mixing associated) and fine scale structures of nutrients and phytoplankton (PER2TONG cruise).
The successful applicant will analyze the two data sets available to estimate the impact of the stratification erosion on the plankton dynamic. He/she will join the research team of Laboratoire de Physique des Océans (LPO) at the Brest Centre of IFREMER. He/she will work at the interface of 2 teams (LPO & Département Dynamique de l’Environnement Côtier DYNECO) and a close collaboration with colleagues in physical and biological oceanography will be essential. The present vacancy therefore requires broadly trained applicants with a PhD in biology or physical marine sciences. The ideal candidate should be highly enthusiastic and motivated about conducting transdisciplinary research and should be capable of scientific independence. Theoretical and practical experience with physics /biology coupling will be highly beneficial. Excellent communication skills (both written and spoken) and written and spoken English is essential.
The proposed position is part of a highly transdisciplinary project GIS - EUROPOLE MER (www.europolemer.eu). Formed in 2004, Europole Mer is a consortium of 16 research institutes and universities focused on ocean sciences and technology, based in West Brittany in France. Europole Mer is funded by the French Government and major research institutions including the National Centre for Scientific Research (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS) and the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer IFREMER) until 2012. This study will contribute directly to WP2 of Axis 2 “Global change, Ocean and Marine Ecosystems” by increasing the knowledge on the physics/biology interactions on the continental margin. This study will also contribute indirectly to WP3 by providing some environmental data on an identified target area. The appointment will be for 1 year with potential extension. Salary is approximately 2000 € net income. This includes contribution to fringe benefits (dental & health cover, social & unemployment insurances) but does not include income tax. Starting date is negotiable, preferably in autumn 2010.
Interested individuals are invited to submit an application package (including a covering letter, CV, statement of research interests, addresses of three referees) via email to Louis.Marie@ifremer.fr and Marc.Sourisseau@ifremer.fr by the 15th of September 2010.
