The post-doctoral researcher will carry out scientific and technical tasks in accordance with the project “Land-Sea interface: Let’s observe together!” (LandSeaLot), focusing on advancing the understanding of phytoplankton dynamics, in particular of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and red tide events (i.e. seawater discoloration associated with phytoplankton blooms) in coastal waters off the Seine Estuary (France).   

The post-doctoral researcher will be supervised by Pierre GERNEZ.

She/he will contribute to:  

• Support the development of a comprehensive, integrated database combining long-term data from in situ measurements (microscopic identification of phytoplankton species and cell counts, pigment concentration, as well as high-frequency chlorophyll-a concentration derived from chlorophyll-a fluorescence) and satellite-derived observations (e.g., remote-sensing reflectance, optical water types and optical bloom types, concentration of chlorophyll-a and suspended particulate matter);  
• Investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of dominant phytoplankton taxons to enhance the monitoring and understanding of HABs and red tide events;
• Develop and apply statistical methods such as dynamic linear models (DLM), generalized additive models (GAM), or ecological trajectory analysis (ETA) to study phytoplankton temporal variability using time series of satellite images, as well as advanced classification methodologies to map bloom-causing phytoplankton groups and/or phenoregions;  
• Validate satellite-derived products (chlorophyll-a concentration and optical bloom type) using available field observations;
• Occasionally participate to the acquisition of field data, including seawater sampling for phytoplankton identification and measurements of optical properties (above-water reflectance and particulate absorption);
• Contribute to the post-sampling processing of field data;
• Conduct multidisciplinary scientific analyses that integrate diverse datasets and fields of knowledge (from marine ecology to ocean colour remote sensing), improving the understanding of phytoplankton bloom dynamics and diversity in river-dominated ocean margin system (namely the bay area influenced by freshwater inputs from the Seine river, in Normandy, France);
• Maintain interactive communication and collaboration with colleagues at Nantes University as well as with other project’s participants (in particular the research teams of Tania HERNANDEZ at Ifremer and Pascal CLAQUIN University of Caen), providing feedback, and participating in interdisciplinary discussions to ensure successful project execution.  Prepare reports on scientific activities every six months and a final project report, ensuring clear documentation of progress, achievements, and challenges;  
• Publish and disseminate research results in international peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at relevant conferences and workshops

Duration of contract : 18 months