Postdoctoral Researcher in Agricultural Biomass Resource Optimization and Decision-Support Platform Development French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment in France

INRAE is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a project on agricultural biomass resource optimization and decision-support platform development at territorial scale. The position is hosted by BioEcoAgro in Laon, France, within the research program led by Shule Wang at the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE).

The project focuses on building a modular computational platform that translates crop-model-derived biomass outputs into planning-relevant information for regional bioeconomy and territorial planning. The core research combines spatial analysis, GIS-based workflows, data integration, mathematical optimization, constraint-based modeling, and supply/logistics modeling. The biomass resource layer will mainly rely on STICS outputs and other structured datasets, with attention to transport, pathway compatibility, environmental, techno-economic, policy, and social constraints.

The successful candidate will contribute to integrating heterogeneous agronomic, spatial, and logistical datasets; formalizing real-world constraints into model-ready variables and parameters; and designing optimization models for biomass allocation, supply chain configuration, and regional scenario analysis. Methods mentioned include MILP and MINLP, with scientific programming in Python and related tools. The role also involves supporting a linked PhD project and contributing to publications, reports, and presentations.

Eligibility highlights: a PhD in a relevant field such as agricultural systems modeling, geoinformatics, spatial analysis, environmental systems engineering, operations research, or bioeconomy systems analysis; strong quantitative and computational skills; experience with Python, GIS, and optimization; and excellent English. French is helpful but not required. Backgrounds centered mainly on remote sensing, LCA/TEA, or experimental biomass conversion are considered less aligned unless paired with strong optimization experience.

Funding and duration: 12-month postdoctoral contract, with possible extension to 24 months. Salary is listed as 2500€–2750€ depending on experience.

Application: applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged, especially for international candidates. The post indicates a planned start around 01/11/2026. Applicants should send a CV and motivation letter via the job link.