Research Engineer

Location: UMR Espace Dev in Saint Pierre, La Réunion

Employer’s description

As a French institute for international scientific research, IRD helps to strengthen the resilience of societies in the face of global upheavals. It operates in more than 50 countries across Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, as well as in mainland France and the overseas territories.

Its research activities provide concrete responses to priority needs: climate change mitigation and adaptation, the fight against poverty and inequality, the preservation of biodiversity, access to healthcare, and addressing social dynamics. Research questions are developed in collaboration with stakeholders on the ground and local communities. The teams bring together different perspectives, disciplines and areas of expertise through long-term partnerships to develop robust, high-impact solutions.

IRD champions research that benefits as many people as possible. It shares the results of its projects and puts science at the service of action. In this way, it supports the transformation of societies towards fairer and more sustainable social, economic and ecological models.

The organisation you will be joining

The UMR ESPACE DEV, in partnership with the University of La Réunion (UR), the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), wishes to develop a transdisciplinary research project in La Réunion focusing on Astronomy and Remote sensing.

Focused on astronomy and remote Sensing, the transdisciplinary SkyRUN project offers a framework programme based on ‘Réunion's night sky as a resource for development’. Supported by innovative infrastructure and observation methods, SkyRUN aims (i) to deepen our understanding of the Universe and our territory (through continuous observations of the sky from La Réunion and observations of La Réunion’s territory from space), and (ii) to enhance capabilities for training, public awareness and the island’s appeal to tourists in relation to the observation and preservation of the night sky.

An exciting role

Under the supervision of an IRD research director, your role will be to study, using satellite Earth observation data, the spatio-temporal evolution of night-time brightness caused by artificial outdoor lighting (e.g. street lighting, industrial sites, sports facilities) on the island of La Réunion.

The light produced by these sources generates diffuse light pollution, which has negative impacts not only on astronomical observation but also on several animal species, such as bats, seabirds (petrels and puffins) and sea turtles, by disrupting their natural environment. Outdoor lighting is also a significant source of electricity consumption, which it would be worthwhile to assess more thoroughly in order to move towards greater energy efficiency.

The mapping method will draw on data from the light pressure monitoring network, which consists of photometers and has been deployed across the whole of La Réunion by members of the Observatoire de l’Environnement Nocturne and SEOR.

In this context, your tasks will be as follows:

• Implement the protocol for mapping light pollution using remote sensing (e.g. image acquisition, pre-processing, processing)
• Study the spatial and temporal variations in light pollution on La Réunion
• Combine these data with historical trends in land use and assess the impact and evolution of energy losses attributable to some artificial night-time lighting.
• Model the evolution of light pollution under different spatial planning scenarios.
• Expand the existing network of ground-based sensors in line with the project’s requirements.
• Inform spatial planning policies within the framework of the environmental transition.
• Disseminate the research findings through publications or other forms of scientific dissemination.

Your future team

You will join La Réunion branch of the Espace-Dev Joint Research Unit (UMR 228) and be based at the SEAS-OI centre of expertise in remote sensing and geomatics, on the Terre-Sainte campus in St-Pierre (Réunion Island). SEAS-OI hosts staff from the Espace-Dev UMR, the Réunion OSU and La Réunion's Region, all working on the theme of remote sensing and geomatics. You will be required to collaborate with the Espace-Dev sites in Saint-Denis, Mayotte and Montpellier, as well as with other partners on the SkyRUN project.

Requirements

Research Field: Geography » Other

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The profile we are looking for

You have developed the following skills:

• Collection, analysis and processing of spatial data (in-depth knowledge).
• Proficiency in the tools and concepts of remote sensing applied to Earth observation data (proficiency).
• Optical satellite remote sensing (in-depth knowledge). Experience in processing night-time data will be an advantage.
• Prospective modelling (general knowledge).
• Databases: management and administration (general knowledge).
• Drafting scientific documents and articles (expert level).
• English language: B2 to C1.

You demonstrate the following personal qualities:

• Independence/self-confidence.
• Leadership.
• Adaptability.
• Ability to work as part of a team in an interdisciplinary environment.

You hold a Level 7 qualification (Master’s 2, engineering degree) or a Level 8 qualification (PhD)

Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent

Additional Information

Benefits

Joining IRD

Throughout your career, the IRD will support you in developing your skills. The institute provides you with a range of tools, such as the digital induction programme, access to continuing professional development, career progression and opportunities for mobility.

Depending on the nature of the work, the IRD offers the option of working from home.

By joining the IRD, you will benefit from:

• 32 days’ annual leave + 13 days’ RTT (for a full-time role of 38.5 hours per week)
• Meal vouchers OR access to a staff canteen (depending on the site)
• Annual membership (optional) of the Association des Œuvres Sociales: holiday, leisure, sporting and cultural benefits.
• Membership of the MGEN supplementary social protection scheme, offering high-quality health and personal protection cover.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: IRD
Country: France
State/Province: LA REUNION
City: SAINT PIERRE
Postal Code: 974