PhD in Earth Sciences (M/F) – Quantitative Geomorphology of Tectonics/Erosion interactions in a[...]

Organisation/Company Nantes Université Department LPG UMR-CNRS 6112 Research Field Geosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 12 May 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Active fault detection in stable continental regions remains challenging due to very low deformation rates and rare surface-rupturing earthquakes. Northwestern France, although considered as a low-to-moderate seismicity region, has experienced several significant historical and recent earthquakes, indicating the reactivation of inherited crustal structures.

This PhD project aims to quantify geomorphic signatures of tectonic activity using high-resolution topographic data (nationwide LiDAR coverage at 50 cm resolution). The candidate will perform quantitative morphometric analyses of landscapes and river networks near suspected active faults using GIS tools, Python-based workflows, and TopoToolbox.

The objective is to distinguish subtle tectonic signals from other landscape processes (erosion, sedimentation, sea-level change) and to compare geomorphic indicators with independent constraints, including instrumental seismicity, historical and archaeological earthquake records, long-term erosion rates, and regional deformation estimates.

Depending on the candidate’s interests, the project may include field investigations (e.g., paleoseismological trenching, sediment core analysis) and/or numerical modeling of tectonic–erosion–sedimentation interactions.

• Master’s degree in Earth Sciences (or equivalent)
• Strong background in geomorphology and/or tectonics
• Experience with GIS and quantitative topographic analysis
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Additional Information

The candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment within the ANR FaSiRé project and the EPOS-France research infrastructure, interacting with researchers in seismology, tectonics, geomorphology, archaeology, and geomechanics.

Selection process

Candidate will have to submit the following documents:

• Detailed and updated CV
• Transcripts of the grades and rankings of the Master’s degree or engineering degree (for semesters for which grades are available)
• Letter of appreciation from the direct supervisor of the Master’s research internship (mandatory for the 2nd year of the Master's degree, if applicable for the 1st year)

Pre-selected candidates will be contacted directly for an interview with a committee composed of at least the thesis director and a representative of the Graduate School.

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