Postdoctoral Researcher: Interdisciplinary Review on FAIR Water Data
Coordinate a critical review of FAIR data principles in water sciences for sustainable management frameworks.
Best for:Best for postdoctoral researchers with expertise in water sciences, open data, and interdisciplinary collaboration, seeking to contribute to policy-relevant research on sustainable water management.
Overview
This postdoctoral position at INRAE (French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment) focuses on synthesizing an interdisciplinary review of the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) paradigm applied to water data. The role involves leading a collaborative effort with researchers from diverse fields—including hydrology, hydrogeology, and social sciences—to assess the current state of water data fragmentation, its implications for research and management, and potential improvements. The review will diagnose challenges, define clear FAIR principles, and analyze limitations such as validity constraints, AI applications, and institutional barriers. The successful candidate will also organize a multidisciplinary seminar, publish a scientific article, and create a popular-science summary for broader dissemination. The position is part of the PEPR One Water project, aimed at advancing equitable and sustainable water management in France and beyond.
What you'll do
- Lead an interdisciplinary review assessing the application of FAIR principles to water data, focusing on France and expanding to Europe and globally.
- Coordinate the writing of a synthesis paper with 5-8 researchers from diverse disciplines (hydrology, hydrogeology, social sciences, etc.).
- Organize and facilitate an interdisciplinary seminar to compare the review’s findings with expert opinions and stakeholder perspectives.
- Write and submit a peer-reviewed scientific article summarizing the review’s key insights and recommendations.
- Develop a popular-science version of the review for dissemination in relevant media outlets.
- Analyze the limitations of open and FAIR data, including validity constraints, AI applications, and institutional/cultural barriers.
- Diagnose the fragmentation of water data and its consequences for research and management.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in water sciences, environmental data, open science, or a related interdisciplinary field
Language: Fluent English; French proficiency is not explicitly required but may be advantageous for local collaboration
Instruction: English
- Proven expertise in water sciences or open environmental data
- Familiarity with FAIR data principles and open science methodologies
- Experience in scientific writing and review coordination
- Strong organizational skills for managing interdisciplinary teams
- Ability to synthesize complex information and present findings clearly
- Experience with interdisciplinary research and collaboration
- PhD degree in a relevant field (water sciences, environmental data, open science, etc.)
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned
- No age or prior experience caps specified
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must submit a CV and a motivation letter via email to the designated contact. The application process is straightforward, requiring only these two documents. No formal portal submission or additional materials are required.
- CV
- Motivation letter
Contact
Ophélie Fovet· Contact for applications
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