France – PhD in CODissolution at University of Rennes and Aix-Marseille University

University: University of Rennes and Aix‑Marseille University

Country: France

Deadline:

Fields: Geosciences, Fluid Mechanics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Physics

Position: PhD

Are you passionate about advancing sustainable solutions for climate change and eager to contribute to cutting‑edge research in geosciences and fluid mechanics? If your academic ambitions align with tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges—carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration—this fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Rennes and Aix‑Marseille University in France may be the ideal next step in your scientific journey.

The position offers an exceptional chance to work at the forefront of experimental and interdisciplinary research, focusing on the mechanisms of CO2 dissolution trapping in granular porous media, a key process for long‑term climate mitigation.

The University of Rennes and Aix‑Marseille University are two of France’s most prestigious public research institutions, renowned for their commitment to scientific advancement and international collaboration. Both institutions are supported by the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research), ensuring access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and a dynamic research environment. Students benefit from France’s robust social support systems, world‑class infrastructure, and a multicultural academic community.

The opportunity to split time between Rennes and Marseille provides diverse academic exposure and a unique cultural experience.

The PhD project centers on the "Dissolution trapping of CO2: convective dissolution in granular porous media." The research addresses one of the four principal mechanisms by which CO2 can be securely sequestered in subsurface geological formations. Understanding the dynamics of convective dissolution—where supercritical CO2 dissolves into the resident aqueous phase and is then transported by natural convection and mixing—is essential for designing safer and more effective carbon storage strategies.

This three‑year PhD position is jointly supervised by Prof. Yves Méheust (University of Rennes) and Prof. Patrice Meunier (Aix‑Marseille University), leveraging the expertise of both the Geosciences Department at Rennes and the Institut de Recherche sur les Phénomènes Hors Équilibre (IRPHÉ) in Marseille. The research will employ advanced optical methods, including laser‑induced fluorescence and stereo‑PIV, to measure three‑dimensional concentration fields and flow velocities of dissolved CO2 within granular porous media.

The candidate will have access to fully equipped laboratories, a collaborative research environment, and the opportunity to spend one year at the second institution as part of a structured secondment. The project is funded by CNRS, offering a standard French PhD salary with full social security benefits. The working language can be either English or French, depending on the candidate’s preference.

Both universities are committed to promoting gender equality, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Background in engineering (mechanical, chemical, or civil) or natural sciences (fluid mechanics, physics, earth sciences, hydrology).
  Solid understanding of fluid mechanics and transport processes is required, along with experience in table‑top flow experiments which will be considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency in data analysis using Matlab or Python, particularly for image processing, is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated capacity for interdisciplinary research, strong organizational skills, and a high level of motivation to contribute to a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Position is open to candidates of all genders, with particular encouragement for women to apply.

Applications should be addressed electronically to Prof. Yves Méheust and Prof. Patrice Meunier. The application must include a CV, a publication list, and a short statement of motivation. The start date is as early as possible, but no later than July 1st 2026. The Final date to receive applications is March 15th 2026.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to vital research on CO2 sequestration while developing your expertise in experimental geosciences and fluid mechanics. If you are driven by scientific curiosity and a desire to make a positive impact on the environment, we encourage you to apply for this position and join a network of leading researchers in France.