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State University (France), Browse similar opportunities
Reference: PV-2021-902/1
Department/Office:
Duration of contract:3 ans
Start date:
Deadline for applications:02/05/2021
The Institute and the recruiting department
A pioneer in ocean science, IFREMER’s cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development and open science. Our vision is to advance science, expertise and innovation to:
- Protect and restore the ocean
- Sustainably use marine resources to benefit society
- Create and share ocean data, information & knowledge.
With more than 1,500 personnel spread along the French coastline in more than 20 sites, the Institute explores the 3 great oceans: the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A leader in ocean science, IFREMER is managing the French Oceanographic Fleet and its dedicated scientists create ground-breaking technology to push the boundaries of ocean exploration and knowledge, from the abyss to the atmosphere-ocean interface.
Well-established in the international scientific community, our scientists, engineers and technicians are committed to advance knowledge about our planet’s last unexplored frontiers. They provide the science we need for informed decision-making and public policy and they transfer this knowledge and technology to businesses to fulfill public and private needs. Core to our mission is also to strengthen public awareness about the importance of understanding the ocean and its resources, and empowering future generations of leaders through education and outreach national campaigns.
Founded in 1984, IFREMER is a French public organization and its budget approximates 240 million euros. It is operating under the joint authority of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
General areas of responsibility
The Geosciences Research Unit (UR-GM), attached to the Physical Resources and Sea-Bed Ecosystems Department (REM), is concerned by major scientific, societal and socio-economic issues related to marine geosciences. It is composed of three research laboratories and a service with activities in support of research actions. The Laboratory of Geochemical Cycles and Resources (LCG) works on the understanding of chemical exchanges between the hydrosphere and the oceanic lithosphere; and in particular on the methane cycle on continental margins, with special focus on its accumulation as methane hydrates.
https://wwz.ifremer.fr/gm_eng/Activities/Laboratory-of-Geochemical-Cycles-and-resources-LGC
Summary
Marine hydrate deposits represent one of the largest methane reservoirs on Earth. They are very sensitive to changes in chemical flux, as well as the temperature and pressure of the seafloor.
Recent studies carried out in the Sea of Marmara (SoM), along the submerged part of the North Anatolian Fault (NFA), show that one of the segments crosses a hydrate deposit sourced by thermogenic gas-charged bodies located in the seismogenic zone. These hydrates are peculiar because they contain a large number of molecules other than methane (non-methane molecules such as heavier hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide) accounting for between 12-17 %-mol. As a result, their formation mechanism is a complex phenomenon that considerably changes (1) the chemical composition and thermodynamic properties of the source gases, and (2) the mechanical properties of the sediment near the fault segment. To date, detailed studies on the formation process and the stability field of such complex hydrates are lacking, especially the formation mechanisms and the kinetics.
This PhD fellowship proposes to study the physicochemical properties of the Marmara hydrate deposit, by applying an integrated approach combining laboratory experiments and modelling. The results will allow a better understanding of their formation mechanisms, their stability field, their gas storage capacity and the heat required to destabilize them.
Key words
Complex gas hydrates, formation mechanisms, high-pressure experiments, kinetics, modelling, stability field, thermodynamics
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
Expected profil
Applicants should have a M. Sc. degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or geochemistry and, preferably a good knowledge in the area of gas hydrates, geosciences or chemical processes. We are seeking a student interested in both experimental studies and modelling, and who is willing to carry out high-pressure experiments followed by modelling optimization. The successful candidate should have the ability to explain in English his / her work on paper and in face-to-face meetings.
Specific working conditions
This PhD project is a real opportunity to work on Ifremer's scientific and technological priority themes. It entitles the holder to a gross monthly salary of 1900 euros for a period of 3 years, which cannot be combined with other scholarships.
How to apply for this position?
Your application file must include :
Your application must be compiled into 2 PDF files, up to 1.5 MB for each file:
In case of any problem in attaching your documents, please upload your CV on this page (this step is mandatory for your application to be considered) and send all the documents to the thesis supervisors : livio.ruffine@ifremer.fr and olivia.fandino.torres@ifremer.fr
The deadline for applications is May 2nd, 2021. Nevertheless, we strongly urge you to let us know as soon as possible of your intention to apply, by contacting the supervisors.
Doctoral students' contract will start October 1st, 2021, subject to the submission of administrative documents authorizing Ifremer to recruit the doctoral student (certificate of completion of the Master 2 or engineering degree + visa for foreign doctoral students outside the EU).
How to apply for this position
Deadline for applications: 02/05/2021
All applications are processed exclusively via our website. Interested candidates can apply by clicking the “Apply” button.
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