PhD and Postdoctoral Opening in Numerical Modeling of Foreland Basin Evolution and Sedimentary Basin Tectonics Centre national de la recherche scientifique in France

CNRS / Géosciences Environnement Toulouse is recruiting for two related opportunities in Earth sciences: a Postdoctoral researcher (18 months) and a PhD (36 months) starting on 2026-09-01. The project focuses on the stratigraphic and thermal evolution of foreland basins, with a case study on the Aquitaine Basin, the retro-foreland of the Pyrenean orogen.

The research uses coupled thermo-mechanical and surface process models to study mountain belt and foreland basin formation. Key topics include sedimentary basin tectonics, sediment routing systems, stratigraphic architecture, thermal evolution, and the impact of inherited extensional deformation on sediment transport and basin development.

Supervision is by Delphine Rouby (Géosciences Environnement Toulouse) and Ritske Huismans (University of Bergen), with collaboration from Eric Lasseur (BRGM) and Cécile Robin (Géosciences Rennes). The work is embedded in the PEPR “Sous-sol, bien commun” / IDYLLE project, which investigates lithospheric dynamics, basin evolution, and subsurface energy resources.

Eligibility highlights: candidates should have a background in quantitative Earth science, tectonics of sedimentary basins, and/or numerical modeling of geological processes. The PhD call asks for a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences or equivalent; the postdoc call asks for a PhD in Earth Sciences or equivalent.

Funding: the postdoctoral position is funded for 18 months with a gross monthly salary of 3041€ to 4216€ depending on experience. The PhD is funded for 36 months with a minimum gross monthly salary of 2300€.

Application window: postdoctoral deadline is 2026-05-03; doctoral deadline is 2026-05-07. Start date for both positions is 2026-09-01.