Les missions du poste
Closing date for applications: 11/26/2026
Who are we?
Ifremer's REM (Physical Resources and Deep-Sea Ecosystems) department focuses on the study of geological structures and processes, from the coastal zone to the deep sea. It explores mineral resources, develops sustainable uses of offshore renewable energy, and studies the functioning, biodiversity and adaptive capacity of deep-sea ecosystems. REM also plays a significant role in the field of marine technologies, focusing on the design, development and use of innovative systems for the…
observation, exploration and sustainable exploitation of marine environments. The department is organised into three research units: the joint research units Geo-Ocean and BEEP, and the RDT research unit. REM draws on the expertise of around 210 permanent staff, including researchers, engineers, technicians and administrative staff, to carry out its research, innovation and public policy support activities. https://www.ifremer.fr/fr/departement-rem
Coordination of the the Neptune Deep Sea' Blue Chair focusing on the inter- and transdisciplinary exploration and study of deep-sea ecosystems in French Polynesia.
We are seeking an experienced researcher to lead this chair, which is based in French Polynesia and hosted by Ifremer. The successful candidate will be expert in benthic ecology, with a focus on the functioning of deep-sea ecosystems - particularly those associated with seamounts - and will have a strong interest in interdisciplinary work and engagement with civil society.
The aim of this chair is to explore and assess the diversity, dynamics and vulnerability of deep-sea ecosystems in French Polynesia, in particular those associated with seamounts of various geological origins. In particular, it will enable research to be carried out on three areas of seamounts located in the Marquesas archipelago, near Tahiti, and in the Austral Islands - areas that have yet to be explored. These underwater formations rise from the depths of the ocean and are home to a often teeming and largely unknown array of life. Polynesia is home to a very large number of these formations along diverse environmental gradients, suggesting a high degree of biodiversity. By improving our understanding of the functioning, spatial variability and temporal dynamics of these ecosystems, as well as their interactions with the geological and morphological context and human activities, the Chair aims to inform public policy on the management of the Tanui Atéa Marine Protected Area, which covers the entirety of Polynesia's exclusive economic zone.
To successfully carry out this inter- and transdisciplinary research programme, the chair coordinator will oversee and monitor research work across complementary disciplines (geology, geochemistry, physics, ecology, economics, anthropology, etc.). He will supervise or co-supervise two PhD students and three postdoctoral researchers, drawing on the expertise and commitment of permanent staff from Ifremer's scientific departments as well as the scientific partners involved in the project.
Supported by French Polynesia, the French Government and Ifremer, and based in French Polynesia, this chair will draw on the Polynesian academic community brought together within the RESIPOL consortium.
What will your mission and activities be ?
Coordinator of the Neptune Deep Sea' Blue Chair in French Polynesia
Your role will involve:
- Developing and leading an inter- and transdisciplinary scientific programme that fits within the scientific and logistical framework set out in the attached document,
- Co-ordinating the implementation of this programme in collaboration with the governing bodies (Steering Committee and Scientific Monitoring Group) and stakeholders,
- Contributing to the establishment of a scientific network in the Pacific and Polynesia, capable of informing public policy decisions in this region, in line with the Neptune mission
You will have the following main responsibilities :
- To lead, within the framework of the chair, an inter- and transdisciplinary research project on the exploration and functioning of deep-sea ecosystems, in particular seamounts in French Polynesia,
- To organise a co-creation workshop in French Polynesia in order to enrich the proposed scientific programme and involve stakeholders,
- To lead the multidisciplinary scientific team in direct collaboration with Ifremer and the University of French Polynesia; participate in its recruitment and supervision; and coordinate its operations with the Steering Committee and the scientific project development team,
- To secure funding to supplement the Chair's budget and ensure the project's long-term sustainability, with a view to establishing a Centre of Excellence for the Deep Sea,
- To organise and carry out oceanographic data-collection campaigns,
- To participate to build and coordinate a scientific network involving other Pacific nations,
- To disseminate findings through publications, participation in conferences and specific reports for stakeholders,
- To work with the University of Polynesia to set up a training course on the functioning of deep-sea ecosystems.
Who will you be working with ?
- Internally:
- With the Scientific Monitoring Group
- With the REM department and the Research units involved in the project
- With the SECOPOL Joint Research Unit in Polynesia
- Externally:
- With the steering committee
- With the group of identified local contacts (RESIPOL, the park manager, OFB, and other stakeholders, etc.)
- With other French and international scientific partners involved in the study of deep-sea ecosystems and seamounts (IRD, MNHN, University of Hawaii, etc.)
- With the Neptune Mission (https://mission-neptune.com/en).
How will your role be structured?
- Permanent contract for a specific project under Polynesian law
- Estimated duration of the permanent contract for the specific project: 5 years
- Event marking the end of the permanent contract for the specific project: Submission of the end-of-contract report setting out i) the knowledge acquired during the chair and ii) the proposal to establish the deep-sea expertise centre.
- Offshore deployments
- Working hours: 100 per cent
- Regular travel to mainland France and abroad, particularly in the Pacific
Le profil recherché
Who are You ?
- PhD in marine ecology;
- Accreditation to Supervise Research (HDR) required for French candidates (or a commitment to submit an HDR application during the contract period)
- Experience in supervising and managing projects
- Postdoctoral stays abroad
You have the following skills, knowledge and experience :
- Marine benthic ecology, functioning of ecosystems associated with seamounts
- Habitat mapping
- Strong interest in interdisciplinary work and engagement with civil society
- Multidisciplinary knowledge
- Experience in supervising, leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams (students, engineers, technicians and researchers)
- Experience in organising fieldwork at sea
- Fluent in English; French recommended
You have the following qualities :
- Ability to build, manage and coordinate a team
- Ability to integrate and listen
- Ability to engage in dialogue with stakeholders
Infos complémentaires
How to apply?
Please attach your CV; we will email you the details of the application process.
What benefits do we offer?
- Remote working subject to agreement.
- Our staff are entitled to 12 days of RTT and additional leave beyond statutory entitlements.
- We allocate a substantial budget to skills development, through individual and team-based initiatives.
- We are committed to a CSR policy inspired by the institute's core values (sustainable mobility allowance, etc.)