Post-doc position (24 months): Livestock systems modeler for the development of livestock-based circularity
Context, project and methods
As part of the FairCarboN PEPR, the SLAM-B project aims to structure the French research community that develops and applies integrated assessment modelling (IAM) approaches to support the development of a sustainable bioeconomy based on agroecology. SLAM-B will take into account the various components of the bioeconomy, including the diversity of production systems, raw materials and finished products, biorefineries, sector management and recycling loops. SLAM-B aims to address three major scientific challenges: i) developing generic IAM approaches to simulate bioeconomic transitions and anticipate their consequences by enhancing the functionalities of the MAELIA platform (http://maelia-platform.inra.fr/), ii) demonstrate the relevance and legitimacy of these IAM approaches through their application in six living laboratories located in mainland France and tropical areas, iii) produce knowledge for public decision-makers on the transition to low-carbon territories.
Job description tasks
The person recruited will be responsible for developing a generic module for modelling livestock farming systems, which will be integrated into the MAELIA platform.
This module must be designed to show the structure, operation and diversity of livestock production systems. It will aim to cover a wide range of livestock production systems, from intensive indoor farming systems to extensive, mobile systems on rangelands. Whatever the context, livestock farming can play an important role in the circularity of agri-food systems through its ability to i) use uncultivated land, co-products and other residues for animal feed, and ii) produce livestock manure with a high fertilizing value for soils and crops.
The aim of this module will be to represent the dynamic interactions between livestock farming and i) the production of resources from crops, grasslands, rangelands and agro-industry, and ii) the use of livestock manure by returning it directly to the soil (during grazing) or possibly via an intermediate processing stage in biorefineries (composting, methane production, etc.). The generic module will be based on 4 generic sub-models (feeding, nutrition, animal performance and manure production) which will be coded in MAELIA on the basis of existing modelling work.
Finally, this livestock farming module will be designed to be integrated into stock-flow models in order to simulate the effect of livestock farming systems on the associated nitrogen and carbon cycles, GHG emissions and carbon storage. This module will complement other modules that are either already in existence or under construction in MAELIA, so as to enable modelling of the functioning, and assessment of the carbon footprint, of crop-livestock agroecosystems or agri-food systems.
Keywords
Spatial modelling, livestock farming systems, circularity, bioeconomy, multi-agent systems, territories, landscapes
Desired profiled
We are seeking a researcher having completed his/her PhD thesis less than 3 years ago, and who can demonstrate cross-disciplinary knowledge of livestock farming systems and solid experience(s) in integrated modelling.
The applicant must have:
o a PhD in agronomy, zootechnics, ecology, process engineering or environmental sciences (8 years post-secondary education),
o professional experience(s) in computer modelling, as far as possible on a territorial scale,
o technical knowledge of livestock farming systems,
o knowledge of the functioning of agricultural areas that integrate livestock farming, grassland and crops,
o professional experience(s) in modelling or applied statistics. Familiarity with a dynamic and spatially explicit modelling platform (e.g. GAMA, CORMAS or OCELET) is desirable,
o an analytical mind and be able to summarize and write in both French and English,
The applicant must be able to work as part of a team, conduct interdisciplinary research and lead groups and meetings,
o Category B driving licence required.
Terms and conditions of admission
Job location: CIRAD research station in Ligne Paradis, Saint Pierre, La Réunion (97410)
Contract duration: 24 months (post-doc position, fixed-term contract at CIRAD)
Start date: as soon as possible from September 2025
Salary: starting at €31,000 depending on experience (CIRAD pay scale)
Requirements: Screen work in excess of 4 hours per day, work in tropical/humid/subtropical zones required, frequent travel within France and abroad
To apply
https://recrutement.cirad.fr/offre-de-emploi/emploi-modelisateur-des-systemes-d-elevage-pour-le-developpement-de-la-circularite-autour-de-d-elevage_11846.aspx
Hiring Manager
Jonathan VAYSSIERES, jonathan.vayssieres@cirad.fr
starting at €31,000 depending on experience