Postdoctoral para desarrollar modelo numérico para el estudio de praderas de Zostera

Postdoctoral position
Title : Development of a coupled hydrodynamic-wave numerical model in support of a recolonization strategy of Zostera seagrasses in the Etang de Berre (France).

Laboratory : Saint-Venant Laboratory for Hydraulics, Université Paris-Est (joint research unit between EDF R&D, CETMEF and Ecole des Ponts ParisTech)
Location : 6 quai Watier, BP 49, 78400 Chatou, France (western area of Paris)
Contract duration : 24 months – This post is available immediately.
Employer : Ecole des Ponts ParisTech (Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, ENPC)
Contract - Salary : CDD – about 1950 euros net per month
Contacts : Elodie GAGNAIRE-RENOU  +33 1 30 87 77 60  elodie.gagnaire-renou@edf.fr
Michel BENOIT  + 33 1 30 87 83 51  michel.benoit@edf.fr
Nathalie DURAND  + 33 1 30 87 77 50  nathalie-2.durand@edf.fr

The Saint-Venant Laboratory for Hydraulics (Université Paris-Est) is a joint research unit between EDF R&D (Electricité de France Recherche & Développement), the Centre for Maritime and River Technical Studies (CETMEF) and the Ecole des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC). The laboratory carries out research into fluid mechanics for hydraulic and environmental applications, using numerical and physical modeling. It covers free surface hydraulics in rivers (lakes and reservoirs, large and small rivers, navigable waterways, etc.), maritime and coastal areas (estuaries, coastal and seashore areas, inland seas and oceans) and ports. It is located on the EDF R&D site at Chatou (western area of Paris, France).

Context:
As part of the restoration of the Berre lagoon (Etang de Berre), one of the key environmental issues is the recolonization of Zostera noltii seagrasses (commonly called eelgrass, protected species and key biological indicator of environmental quality). These seagrasses play a major role in ecosystems by helping diversity and profusion of fauna and aquatic flora and by improving water quality.

Monitoring of eelgrass beds in the Berre lagoon is currently being conducted by the GIPREB (Groupement d’Intérêt Public Pour la Réhabilitation de l’Etang de Berre) and experimental transplantations of eelgrass beds were conducted in 2010 and 2011. These studies have shown that eelgrass transplants were possible but that the survival of seagrasses was strongly influenced by local wave conditions.

The aim of the proposed post-doctoral work is to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of waves (wave breaking...) on the eelgrass beds and thus, to strengthen the scientific knowledge necessary for the definition of eelgrass beds restoration strategies in the Berre

Objectives:
In order to better understand the factors responsible for the current regression of eelgrass beds and to propose solutions to help their recolonization in the Berre lagoon, the construction of a coupled hydrodynamic-wave model is necessary.

The post-doctoral work consists of building a coupled hydrodynamic-wave model of the Berre lagoon (general model) and local models of areas of interest (Pointe de Berre at least). Modules from the Telemac system will be used for this study (Telemac-3D for the flow part; Tomawac and/or Artemis for the wave part). The presence of eelgrass will be implemented in these models.

The EDF R&D LNHE has been working on the rehabilitation of the Berre lagoon for many years. A Telemac-3D numerical model (currents, salinity, temperature) covering the whole Berre lagoon currently exists and will be available for post-doc. In addition, a PhD thesis on the study of coupling processes between hydro-sedimentary dynamics generated by wind waves and resilience of Zostera noltii seagrasses in the Berre lagoon, conducted in partnership between the GIPREB and CEREGE, started in 2011.

The main components of the work are:
1 : Construction and calibration of a spectral wave model of the Berre lagoon
2 : Construction of a local model of the Pointe de Berre, coupled hydrodynamics and waves
3 : Definition of the methodology for implementing the boundary conditions in the local model
4 : Validation of the complete coupled model
5 : Inclusion of the effects of eelgrass beds in the model
6 : Identification of critical hydrodynamical thresholds for eelgrass recolonization
7 : Numerical simulations to test possible solutions to help eelgrass recolonization in the Berre lagoon

Required/preferred qualifications of candidates:
 Ph.D. in physical oceanography, fluid dynamics, coastal engineering or a closely related field
 Good knowledge in hydrodynamics and wave theory
 Skills in scientific computing and development of numerical models
He or she must have a good sense of teamwork. A good knowledge of English (writing articles, easy oral communication) is highly desirable.

Le Laboratoire d'Hydraulique Saint-Venant est une unité de recherche commune entre EDF R&D,
le CETMEF et l'Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, située à Chatou (78) sur l'Ile des Impressionnistes.

Il est rattaché au PRES Université Paris-Est (site WEB du laboratoire: http://www.saint-venant-lab.fr/).

Le (ou la) post-doctorant(e) sera employé(e) en CDD par l'Ecole des Ponts ParisTech.

La rémunération du post-doctorant sera d'environ 1950 Euros nets mensuels

Pour tout renseignement, ne pas hésiter à contacter :
Elodie Gagnaire-Renou (elodie.gagnaire-renou@edf.fr)
Nathalie Durand