Contexte du recrutement et définition de poste :

PhD position: Watering requirements of micro-scale nature-based solutions in dense urban environments ; a numerical approach at high resolution based on the potential evapotranspiration concept.

The thesis is part of the Seed2Green project (PEPR SOLU-BIOD), focusing on the design, implementation and maintenance of micro-scale (i.e., a few to a few dozen square meters) urban Nature Based Solutions interventions for urban greening (μNBS). The project aims at exploring how improvement of design practices, passive watering via stormwater and adaptation of maintenance strategies can support the deployment of ecologically healthy, water-efficient and socially embedded μNBS to foster ecosystem services. Given the role of water availability in the ability of urban μNBS to deliver these services, and the need to assess the pressure they may place on water resources, refinement of current approaches to estimate water demand will be undertaken, accounting for the specificities of μSFN vegetation and the variability of microclimate conditions in dense urban city centres with strong space constraints.

The consortium formed for this thesis brings together different research groups from CEREMA, in urban hydrology (TEAM) and in urban microclimate and thermal interactions (BPE), and from the Institut Agro Rennes-Angers the Physical Environment of the Horticultural Plant Research Unit (EPHor). Beyond academic partners, the project Seed2Green will receive active support from the municipality of Paris that constitute the main study area.

• PhD location: Cerema in Trappes (Paris region) with time, short or long, at Cerema Nantes (west coast of France, to be discussed with the candidate)
• Application file: CV, cover letter, letter of recommendation, transcripts from the last 2 years of university and diplomas obtained.
• Contacts:

Cerema: emmanuel.berthier@cerema.fr, xenia.laffaille@cerema.fr, auline.rodler@cerema.fr

Institut Agro Angers: sophie.herpin@institut-agro.fr, pierre-emmanuel.bournet@institut-agro.fr

Profil recherché :

• MSc or M2 student (engineering school, technical university or equivalent),
• With engineering, meteorology/climatology, thermal/energetical, or hydrological background with knowledge in applied physics and mathematics, microclimate, sustainable water management, nature-based adaptation strategies (NBSs) to global challenges (urbanisation and climate change).
• The candidate must have a strong command of programming, numerical modelling and statistical analyses (python, C++).
• Strong aptitude for teamwork, autonomy, rigorous, and creative.
• While English is a must (comprehension, writing and presenting), the majority of work and discussions will take place in French. A working knowledge of French is essential, particularly for interactions with local colleagues, other PhD or post-doctoral students and stakeholders of the Seed2Green project.