Post-doctoral scientist position Southern Ocean sea ice

Post-doctoral scientist position on Southern Ocean sea ice

Post-doctoral scientist position on Southern Ocean sea ice

Job  : SF 38760
Internal and external job posting until August 31st, 2026.

For institute Earth and Life Institute of Science and Technology Sector
Main campus:
Louvain-la-Neuve
Fixed-term, full-time (100%) contract, 3‑yr

The EU Horizon Europe‑funded project SYNCHRONY will establish a coordinated, internationally synchronized observatory across the Southern Ocean and Antarctic continental shelves to monitor rapid changes in the ocean–ice–atmosphere system and their impacts on climate and biodiversity. The project will address major scientific challenges including high‑latitude warming, Antarctic sea ice loss, changes in the carbon and freshwater cycles, and ecosystem responses to environmental change.

It will work in close relationship with the ongoing Antarctica InSync (2027‑2030) activities and be a foundational element of the upcoming International Polar Year (IPY, 2032‑2033).

The project brings together leading European and international institutions and will contribute directly to global observing systems, Copernicus services, climate prediction efforts, and policy‑relevant indicators supporting the European Green Deal and the UN 2030 Agenda.

Research environment

At the Earth and Climate Center of the Earth and Life Institute at UCLouvain (ELIC/ELI), you will join a vibrant and internationally recognized team with a long‑standing reputation for excellence in polar research. Through involvement in leading national, European, and international initiatives and projects, you will have access to state‑of‑the‑art research, technologies, and resources, enabling you to make a significant contribution to the growing body of scientific knowledge on polar regions.

The polar team comprises around 25 PhD students, post‑doctoral researchers, academics, and IT specialists, creating together a dynamic and collaborative research environment. The work will be co‑supervised by Profs. François Massonnet and Hugues Goosse.

Type:
Post‑Doctoral contract

Position:
Full‑time for 36 months (3 years)

Net salary:  €/month (incl. social insurance and transportation to/from work)

Description of the work:

• Analyze satellite observations, reanalysis data and climate model output to characterize the spatiotemporal variability of Southern Ocean sea ice thickness, from seasonal to interannual time scales;
• Develop innovative approaches to guide strategies for optimal temporal and spatial distribution of sea ice measurements in the Southern Ocean;
• Participate in the analysis of CMIP7 sea ice analyses in the Southern Ocean;
• Study sea ice thickness co‑variability with ocean heat content, freshwater content and interpret recent changes in the coupled ocean‑sea ice system.

• Hold a PhD thesis in climatology, oceanography, engineering, Earth science, or related field;
• Be familiar with the analysis of large geophysical datasets;
• Have published in peer‑reviewed international journals;
• Have experience in machine learning, numerical modelling or data science;
• Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills in English;
• Demonstrate autonomy, reliability, sense of initiative and proactivity.

Applications should be uploaded as one PDF file including

• A statement of research experience, qualification and interest for the position;
• A complete CV including a list of publications;
• The names and contact information of two scientists who would agree to send a letter of recommendation.

The deadline for sending applications is Monday August 31st, 2026. Interviews for selected candidates will take place during the second week of September 2026.