Researcher In Geomechanical Numerical Modelling M - F H/F Ifremer

Deadline for applications : 22/10/25

Who are we?

The UMR Geo-Ocean (www.geo-ocean.fr) is a joint research unit specialized in marine geosciences, with 3 main supervisory bodies: Université Bretagne Occidentale, CNRS and Ifremer, and a secondary one, Université Bretagne Sud. Within the Ifremer structure it is part of the Physical Resources and Seabed Ecosystems department (REM). Its multidisciplinary focus (geology, geophysics, geochemistry, sedimentology, cartography, etc.) covers the processes that shape the earth from past to present, starting at the coast extending to the deep sea. Geo-Ocean contains the ALMA team, a group focused on the study of marine hazards. This group is tasked with making major contributions to the study of the deep ocean and to the development of research activities in relation to Renewable Marine Energies, two priority themes of Ifremer and REM.

The ALMA team relies on geophysical, sedimentological and geotechnical methods to constrain and validate numerical models, with the aim of characterizing the underlying mechanisms and consequences of earthquakes and landslides (https://www.geo-ocean.fr/en/What-we-do/Marine-Hazards). Piezocone soundings and piezometer monitoring are central to the assessment of active processes in the field. At the laboratory scale, natural or synthetic specimens are analyzed to assess their hydro-mechanical behaviour, in both partially and fully water-saturated conditions, as well as in the presence of gas hydrates. By confronting field observations and experimental results in numerical models, the ALMA team seeks to apply an integrated approach to the study of failure in sediments. This approach is currently followed in the frame of fundamental and applied research projects dealing with submarine slope stability in response to natural or human-induced factors (i.e., development of offshore wind energy or CO2 storage in the subsurface).

What will your mission BE?

You will use and develop numerical tools to assess deformation and failure processes in marine settings that could imply the circulation of multi-phase fluids.

You will focus on the analysis of slope stability with a probabilistic approach to meet the objectives of the Geo-Ocean Unit.

You will contribute to develop research in the field of Renewable Marine Energies (RME) and geo-engineering processes (CO2 storage).

What will your activities BE?

You will analyse geotechnical data from different sites of interest to the UMR Geo-Ocean
- You will use and develop constitutive models to capture site specific sediment behaviour
- You will assess slope stability using a probabilistic approach to estimate the volumes of sediment involved in deformation and failure processes in response to different types of loadings (static, cyclic, hydraulic, pneumatic)
- You will contribute to the development of quantitative and multi-disciplinary approaches to the geotechnical characterisation of the sub-surface in the frame of RME and geo-engineering
- You will supervise students at all levels as well as post-docs; to write publications and apply for external funding opportunities.

How are your activities organised ?

- Activity rate: 100%
- Position based at Ifremer Plouzané, with possible travel for field missions. Offshore and/or coastal sea campaigns possible.
- Open-ended contract - Position vacant