Postdoctoral Researcher in Atmospheric Chemistry and Urban Air Quality

The successful candidate will analyse a comprehensive dataset covering both gaseous and particulate pollutants, acquired using state-of-the-art online instrumentation deployed on the MASSALYA mobile platform (LCE MASSALYA). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been measured using PTR-ToF-MS, while aerosol physical and chemical properties are characterised using a high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-AMS) and the CHARON inlet coupled to PTR-ToF-MS. These measurements are complemented by black carbon, NOx and ozone observations.

The postdoctoral researcher will:

• lead the processing and analysis of the atmospheric chemistry and aerosol datasets;
• investigate the influence of urban design, greening and mobility on air pollutant concentrations and composition;
• develop and apply appropriate statistical and source-apportionment approaches;
• contribute to scientific publications and present results at international conferences.

The candidate should hold a PhD in atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, environmental sciences, chemical engineering or a related field. Experience in the analysis of atmospheric observations, aerosol or VOC measurements, mass spectrometry, or statistical/data-analysis methods would be an advantage. We are looking for a candidate who is comfortable working in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment.

Research environment

The position is part of the OASIS-Urbaines project, funded by the ITEM Institute, and closely linked to the PEPR RESILIENCE programme (PEPR RESILIENCE). These projects aim to develop more sustainable and inclusive urban environments by assessing how urban planning, greening and mobility strategies affect environmental quality and human well-being.

The research combines field measurements and modelling to investigate air quality, urban heat islands, greenhouse gas emissions, mobility and biodiversity. The overall objective is to identify urban planning strategies that maximise co-benefits across these different dimensions and to provide evidence-based recommendations for local authorities.

The project will contribute to the development of maps, models and practical guidance tools to support urban planning decisions and improve public understanding of their environmental and health impacts.

Where to apply

E-mail: barbara.danna@univ-amu.fr

Requirements

Research Field: Environmental science » Earth science

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

PhD or equivalent in chemistry or physics or engineering.

The candidate must hold at least a PhD in chemistry, physics or environmental sciences (atmospheric chemistry). Experience in VOC or aerosol measurements online mass spectrometry is required for this position, ideally during field campaigns. Skills in advanced statistics and automated data processing (preferably in Igor, Python and R programming language) are a prerequisite, due to the large amount of data that will be generated during the field campaign. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the project, the candidate must show ability to work with multiple research fields and institutions. Strong communication and organizational skills are thus essential to ensure the success of the project.

Specific Requirements

As the project is interdisciplinary, the candidate must be motivated and ensure that complementary areas of expertise are integrated in a balanced manner, regularly present their progress to the team and write scientific articles in English, demonstrate organization, listening skills, dynamism and communication skills and have a minimum B2 level of English. Experimental fieldwork requires being able to adapt and modify campaign dates according to unforeseen circumstances (weather conditions, instrument failure, etc.). The candidate must be flexible and available.

Languages: ENGLISH (Level: Excellent)

Additional Information

Benefits

The candidate will be part of LCE in the IRA team, located within the St. Charles campus of Aix Marseille University, located downtown in Marseille. The candidate will be recruited at the LCE and will benefit from a reception office, a PC and all the needed support for the duration of the contract. The candidate will be under the supervision of B. D’Anna and J. Kammer (LCE), and will benefit from the support of engineers of LCE. The candidate will have access to the LCE's cutting-edge MASSALYA platform for VOC and particle measurements (https://lce.univ-amu.fr/fr/equipes/massalya)

Eligibility criteria: PhD or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Sciences

Selection process: Interview

Additional comments: The post-doc position is for 14 months (an extension is possible). Salary between €2616.35 and €3062.56 gross per month depending on experience.