CNRS

The candidate will be hired by CNRS and be part of a large research group dedicated to Distributed Acoustic Sensing and its various fields of applications.

Homepage: https://geoazur.oca.eu/fr/rech-seicy-geoazur/4674-geo-equipe-seicy-membres

The research project

The ability to model the propagation of acoustic signals and noise in marine environments depends significantly on our knowledge of the physical and mechanical properties of the seafloor, particularly in the ultra-low-frequency range (0-150 Hz) where waves interact with both the water and the seafloor.

Inference of these properties typically requires expensive seismic campaigns. However, state-of-the-art Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology could serve as a powerful alternative because it can convert any underwater optical cable into long and dense networks of seismic-acoustic sensors suitable for multi-scale imaging of seismic velocity heterogeneities near the seafloor (e.g., [1] [2]). Optical cables also tend to remain in place, allowing for temporal monitoring of environmental variations.

The objective of the thesis will be to leverage data acquired in recent years in the Mediterranean to test and compare various seismic imaging approaches based on ambient noise or active sources.

[1] Sladen, A., Rivet, D., Ampuero, J. P., De Barros, L., Hello, Y., Calbris, G., & Lamare, P. (2019). Distributed sensing of earthquakes and ocean-solid Earth interactions on seafloor telecom cables. Nature communications, 10(1), 5777.

[2] Cheng, F., Chi, B., Lindsey, N. J., Dawe, T. C., & Ajo-Franklin, J. B. (2021). Utilizing distributed acoustic sensing and ocean bottom fiber optic cables for submarine structural characterization. Scientific reports, 11(1), 5613.

Secondments (visits of a few weeks to months) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU, Norway) and University of Padova (Italy). Other secondments are possible to other partners of the SEASOUNDS project.

The SEASOUNDS framework

This PhD project is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network (Innovative marine soundscape characterization to effectively mitigate ocean and sea noise pollution, Grant agreement no. 101119769), coordinated by CNRS (France), aims to better characterize and predict marine soundscapes, to provide recommendations for appropriate and proportionate underwater noise mitigation solutions, for improved know-how, decision-making and standards setting for a sustainable Blue Growth limiting the impact on marine wildlife.

SEASOUNDS addresses important knowledge gaps related to understanding, characterization, and modeling of the entire noise transfer chain, from the noise source (e.g. offshore foundation installation, UXO disposal, shipping) to the receiver (whether a technological tool or an animal). SEASOUNDS’ methodological approach incorporates concepts, models, and tools from a variety of disciplines including underwater acoustics, seismology, mechanics, bioacoustics, and marine biology. Thus, SEASOUNDS will train 10 PhD students with high multidisciplinary, inter-sectoral, and transverse skills, who will comprehend noise pollution issues in a holistic way.

The Network gathers 15 partners from France, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Monaco and USA (see “https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101119769”), and will run for 4 years from January 2024.

You will be offered

To work within an interdisciplinary environment with various high-quality data on cutting-edge DAS technology, receiving training from leading experts in a full-time PhD position for 36 months, in which living and mobility costs will be fully covered with a gross salary of 3 043 € /month. If applicable, additional allowances may be granted: family allowance if the candidate is married (or equivalent relationship) or has dependent children. For candidates with disabilities certified by a competent national authority, the salary may also comprise a special needs allowance, if not already funded from another source.

We are looking for

An enthusiastic candidate who has a strong quantitative background, with a M.Sc. or equivalent degree in Geophysics, Acoustics, or any speciality with a strong background in signal processing. The candidate will ideally have a good knowledge of acoustic and/or elastic waves. It will be an asset if the candidate has prior research experience in numerical modeling and/or ocean acoustics. A good knowledge of scientific programming is essential.

We will also take into account that you have:

Interdisciplinary skills: Ability to work at the intersection of ocean acoustics and seismic

Effective written and verbal communication skills: To collaborate with researchers within and outside the lab, and share findings.

Adaptability and problem-solving skills.

To be eligible for the position

The candidate must not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment in the project, can be of any nationality. However, if applicable, they may have to comply with any security restrictions imposed by the host or secondment institution and are required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e., move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting institution (i.e. France) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account.

Any interested candidate should contact asap the coordinators: sladen AT geoazur.unice.fr and mercerat AT geoazur.unice.fr