PhD Fellowship on Saharan Dust Deposition and Ecosystem Impacts in the Pyrenees
Investigate the deposition of Saharan dust and contaminants on ecosystems using atmospheric monitoring, geochemical analysis, and peat archives.
Best for:Best for environmental scientists, geochemists, or atmospheric researchers with experience in ICP-MS, particle analysis, or fieldwork, seeking interdisciplinary research at the intersection of climate, ecology, and pollution.
Overview
This PhD position at CNRS-University of Toulouse focuses on understanding how Saharan dust and associated contaminants deposit onto terrestrial ecosystems in the Pyrenees. The project combines contemporary atmospheric monitoring, geochemical analysis, and long-term environmental reconstructions from peat archives. The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team studying atmospheric deposition, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem ecology, with international collaboration involving researchers in Toulouse and Zaragoza. The fellowship offers a competitive salary and international training opportunities under the MSCA COFUND BEST programme, targeting motivated candidates with a background in atmospheric science, geochemistry, or environmental chemistry.
What you'll do
- Conduct atmospheric monitoring of particulate matter and deposition samples across urban, agricultural, and mountain environments in the Pyrenees.
- Analyze elemental composition and particle characteristics using ICP-MS, XRF, and microscopic techniques to distinguish Saharan dust from local sources.
- Reconstruct long-term variations in Saharan dust and contaminants using ombrotrophic peat archives from Pyrenean sites.
- Assess the ecological effects of deposited particles on forest and wetland vegetation through field and laboratory analyses.
- Develop geochemical fingerprints and source-apportionment models to identify principal particle sources and their temporal variability.
- Collaborate with international researchers in Toulouse and Zaragoza to integrate atmospheric observations with long-term environmental data.
- Present findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Environmental Science, Geochemistry, Atmospheric Science, or a related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 or equivalent proficiency required. French or Spanish is advantageous.
Instruction: English
- Experience with ICP-MS or XRF analysis techniques
- Familiarity with atmospheric monitoring and deposition sampling methods
- Knowledge of geochemical tracers and source-apportionment methods
- Fieldwork experience in environmental or ecological research
- Proficient in statistical analysis and data interpretation
- Applicant must not have lived, worked, or studied in France for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding the application deadline (MSCA mobility rule).
- Open to international candidates.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: Unknown (recruitment through MSCA COFUND BEST selection process) · open until filled
Applicants must apply through the competitive international MSCA COFUND BEST selection process. Detailed instructions will be provided on the MSCA COFUND BEST programme website. Ensure compliance with the MSCA mobility rule and prepare a comprehensive application including CV, research proposal, and academic transcripts.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or statement of purpose
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
Gaël Le Roux· PhD Supervisor
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.