Jobs:Job-00912

From CSDMS
2 ERC funded PhD or Post-doc positions in landscape dynamics at the University of Rennes, France
Rennes, , France
Start reviewing process: 31 May 2019


We are looking for two motivated and excellent PhD or Postdoc to integrate the ERC-funded FEASIBLe (Finding how Earthquakes And Storms Impact the Building of Landscapes) project led by Philippe Steer. The two positions are expected to start in September 2019.


1) Mechanics of landslide triggering, landslide reactivation and the volume budget of large earthquakes (advisors: Philippe Steer, Dimitri Lague, Harsha Bhat)

Landslides are the most obvious and instantaneous manifestations of the impact of earthquakes or storms on landscapes. However, two major scientific obstacles prevent an accurate understanding of the impact of these extreme events on hillslope mass wasting processes and landscape dynamics: a direct estimation of total landslide volume and a mechanical-based theory of landslide-triggering. On a longer-term basis, landslide reactivation and how the location of new landslides is influenced by the location of older landslides remain poorly constrained. Vegetation and its growth over previous landslide scars and deposits is probably crucial for mechanically strengthening weakened lithologies and soil and for the mobility of the produced sediments.


2) The landscape “grain”: from rock fracturing to the grain-size distribution of river sediments and implications for erosion (advisors: Philippe Steer, Dimitri Lague)

Moutain rocks are generally characterized by fractures that developed at the millimeter scale to the crustal scale. It has long been postulated that the geometry of the fracture network likely controls river erosion efficiency and the shape and distribution of the sediment size entering the fluvial network. This is pivotal as the size-distribution of sediments plays a major role on the ability of the landscapes to digest the sediment produced by extreme events (earthquakes, storms). Despite its importance, the role of fracturing on erosion has never been explicitly demonstrated and no theoretical model has been proposed to include fracturing in the laws of landscape erosion and sediment production. The aim of this project is to fill this important gap. This work will strongly rely on the use of time-lapse Lidar and SFM point cloud data that opens an exciting prospects to use large volume of data at unprecedented resolution to measure grain size and fracture geometry.


Scientific and technical skills required by the candidates: Candidates are expected to be trained in Earth Sciences and/or in (Geo)physics with preferably a solid background in Geomorphology, Rock Mechanics, Numerical Modelling and Remote Sensing. For application at the PhD level, a Master diploma equivalent is required. Ability to work in an international environment, to communicate and to write scientific papers are expected. Although prior knowledge of French is not mandatory, spoken and written English proficiency is needed. Visits to other institutions and field trips in France and abroad are expected.

Rennes and its University: As the capital of Brittany, Rennes is the beating heart of the regional economy. Boasting international reach, Rennes is the largest higher education centre in the north west of France, with 66,000 students. Working closely with businesses and with over 5,000 researchers, this ecosystem fuels high-level research and innovation. Just 90 minutes from Paris and under an hour from both Saint-Malo and bay of Mont Saint-Michel, Rennes is famous for being a lively city. Ranked as best French city for quality of life by a European study, Rennes is reputed for its rich cultural calendar, the diversity of its heritage, its contemporary art programme and its vibrant student scene.

How to apply?

To apply, please send an email to philippe.steer@univ-rennes1.fr with your CV and a motivation letter.

Of interest for:
  • Terrestrial Working Group
  • Hydrology Focus Research Group
  • Critical Zone Focus Research Group
  • Geodynamics Focus Research Group