Recruitment PhD Soil Science
PEPR SolsVivants
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Recruitment PhD Soil Science

Recruitment of a PhD student for a thesis in Soil Science: Study of the links between biodiversity, soil structure and functioning

This thesis aims to provide answers to the following question: what is the impact of biological actors (e.g. roots, soil meso- and macrofauna), as agents of soil stabilisation and restructuring, on soil functioning? This thesis project will be carried out as part of the PEPR Sols Vivants (Living Soils) programme, whose mission is to generate knowledge on the role of soil organisms and their multiple interaction networks in soil multifunctionality, for a variety of soil types, uses and management methods, in order to meet the challenge of preserving and improving soil health.

Job description:

Duration: 36 months, thesis start date: 1 October 2026

The PhD student will be enrolled at the University of Orléans, within the Doctoral School of Energy, Materials, Earth and Universe Sciences (EMSTU).

Co-funding of the thesis by the Centre Val de Loire Region and the Research Program LivingSoils

The successful candidate will be welcomed into the Info&Sols Research Unit (INRAE Orléans)

Employer: INRAE

Remuneration: €2,300 gross/month

Applications must be submitted via the doctoral school's website: https://collegedoctoral-cvl.fr/as/ed/voirproposition.pl?site=CDCVL&matricule_prop=70746.

Application deadline: 20 March 2026.

Required profile:

Recommended education: Master's degree or engineering degree in soil science, agronomy or environmental science.

Desired knowledge: Depending on the candidate's specialisation, knowledge of soil science (pedology, physical and biological properties of soils) and/or agronomy; data analysis skills (statistics, image processing).

Experience appreciated: Previous experience in acquiring soil characterisation data in the field and/or in the laboratory, in data processing and/or image analysis. Participation in interdisciplinary or collaborative projects in the field of soil science or the environment.

Required skills: Strong interest in field and laboratory work and data analysis. Good writing, communication and summarising skills. Independence, initiative, creativity, scientific rigour and a taste for teamwork.

For more information: https://jobs.inrae.fr/ot-28746

Download documents

Thèse science du sol Etude des liens entre biodiversité, structure et fonctionnement des sols pdf - 1.48 mb

Modification date: 03 March 2026 | Publication date: 02 March 2026 | By: Direction SolsVivants