Marine Ecosystem Modeler specialized in Biogeochemical Data Assimilation, Mercator Ocean
Who are we?
Mercator Ocean International has been developing operational oceanography activities for nearly 30 years, as part of its public interest mission of preserving the ocean.
Many scientific and societal challenges must be addressed to ensure a sustainable ocean, whether they concern the environment, biodiversity, climate change, the blue economy, or education. To meet these challenges, Mercator Ocean designs, develops, operates, and maintains state-of-the-art scientific digital systems capable of describing, analyzing, and forecasting the state of the ocean in 3D, continuously and in real time. The scientific information is then translated to make it accessible to everyone, whether public or commercial services, political decision-makers, manufacturers, associations, NGOs, teachers, or citizens. Mercator Ocean International thus combines scientific excellence and social commitment on a daily basis.
As a non-profit company under multinational governance (ES, FR, GB, IT, NO), we work in a climate of trust with our ten shareholder partners, all key players in the development of European oceanography.
About the position
We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist who shares Mercator Ocean International’s ambition and goals. Our Research and Development department is offering a 36-month postdoctoral position for a candidate with the following profile: Marine Ecosystem Modeler Specializing in Biogeochemical Data Assimilation (M/F).
You will develop tools for modeling and assimilation of biogeochemical data into the global NEMO-PISCES model.
More specifically, you will be required to:
- Implement a bio-optical module in NEMO-PISCES, describing the spectral and directional characteristics of underwater light and the properties of the main optical constituents,
- Implement and validate a new parameterization of plankton dynamics and nutrient cycles,
- Define and evaluate new biogeochemical indicators related to ocean acidification, deoxygenation, the biological carbon pump and greenhouse gas fluxes,
- Extend MOi’s Singular Evolutive Interpolated Kalman filter (SEIK)-based biogeochemical data assimilation system to the assimilation of in-situ biogeochemical data (e.g. from BGC ARGO and other platforms) and satellite data (e.g. reflectance and phytoplankton types), as well as physical datasets (e.g. SST, SLA, SSH, temperature profiles and salinity) into the global NEMO-PISCES model,
- Carry out and validate a multi-year global reanalysis using this new assimilation system with the coupled NEMO-PISCES global configuration at a resolution of ¼ degree,
- Develop and apply metrics to quantify model performance, evaluate biogeochemical reanalysis products, and detect trends and extreme events in biogeochemical variables and indicators,
- Contribute to Mercator’s missions within the framework of the Horizon Europe BioGeoSea project.
Contract type: Postdoctoral contract (36 months), Full time.
Contract start date: September 1, 2025
Benefits: Flexible hours, Meal vouchers, Paid leave and RTT (9 weeks), Teleworking (2 days/week), Sustainable mobility package.
Applications close on June 16, 2025
- Posted: May 23, 2025
- Job Type: Post-doc
- Application deadline (expired): 06/16/2025
- Organization: Mercator Ocean International
- Qualifications: Assets for success · You hold a doctorate in physics, mathematics or biogeochemical modeling. · You have at least two years of experience in the use of biogeochemical ocean models, data assimilation methods, and in the analysis of ocean observations. Experience in marine physical modeling would be a plus. · You have advanced skills in scientific computing, programming languages (notably Fortran and Python), version control software (git) and in the use of supercomputers. · You are a good listener, rigorous, dynamic, responsive, have a strong team spirit, are autonomous, able to manage your time and deadlines, and you are keen to contribute your technical and scientific ideas to ambitious projects. · You are fluent in English, both spoken and written.
- How to apply: Apply on website: https://careers.flatchr.io/fr/company/mercatorocean/vacancy/k0m5o9yeq8z9xbqb-modelisateur-des-ecosystemes-marins-specialise-en-assimilation-de-donnees-biogeochimiques-f-h-marine-ecosystem-modeler-specialized-in-biogeochemical-data-assimilation-w-m/?iframe=true&background_color=FFFFFF
- Location: Toulouse, France
- Web address: https://careers.flatchr.io/fr/company/mercatorocean/vacancy/k0m5o9yeq8z9xbqb-modelisateur-des-ecosystemes-marins-specialise-en-assimilation-de-donnees-biogeochimiques-f-h-marine-ecosystem-modeler-specialized-in-biogeochemical-data-assimilation-w-m/?iframe=true&background_color=FFFFFF
Contact Information
Stefano Ciavatta
sciavatta@mercator-ocean.fr