open TELEMAC-MASCARET The mathematically superior suite of solvers

Post-doctoral position on Data Assimilation in 2D hydraulic models

The Saint-Venant Hydraulics Laboratory is a joint research laboratory between Ecole des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC), Electricité de France R&D (EDF R&D) and Cerema. This gives it a unique position in the field of applied fluid mechanics, at the interface between academy and industry. The Saint-Venant Hydraulics Laboratory seeks to fill a 18 month post-doctoral position on Data Assimilation in 2D hydraulic models.

The aim of this post-doctoral position is to provide an operational tool required to move vessels into the Gironde channel. The numerical tool, based on TELEMAC system (widely used open-source code www.opentelemac.org), must be able to deliver the real time water depth with uncertainty and confidence interval. The purpose of the present work is to develop a mathematical method resulting from data assimilation techniques, in order to formalize the knowledge of the events to automate the calibration process. Data assimilation methods combine the solution of models with measurements. They rely on a mathematical background that helps to find optimal solutions to complex problems with an explicit representation of errors. The underlying optimization problem is solved using a descent based or filter approach. This makes it possible to define the optimal parameter adjustment which minimizes the difference between the observations and the results arising from the numerical model. This optimization problem will be solved using derivative-free and gradient algorithms.

Successful applicants should, by the start of the appointment, have a Ph.D., or equivalent experience in Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computer Sciences or Mechanical/Civil Engineering. The use and development of high performance numerical computing are highly desirable. The researcher will be employed by Ecole des Ponts ParisTech (ENPC). Salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About Saint-Venant laboratory and the host research team:

The Saint-Venant laboratory is actively engaged in fundamental and applied research, and its research activities are organized along three main themes: (A) Waves and marine hazards, (B) Modeling and simulation of free-surface flows, (C) Sediment transport and morphodynamics.
The laboratory has access to a unique variety of facilities, such as the 8000 m2 of experimental facilities and the development of high-performance Computational Fluid Dynamics models for environmental flows and transport processes, including the opensource Telemac-Mascaret modelling system (http://www.opentelemac.org). The laboratory is located on the EDF Lab site in Chatou (France), about 15 km from Paris downtown.
More information about our laboratory can be found at: http://www.saint-venant-lab.fr

How to apply

Applicants should send to Dr. Jean-Philippe Argaud and Dr. Cedric Goeury (see e-mail
addresses below): a cover letter and CV. All applications completed by April 31st, 2017 will receive full consideration, but candidates are urged to submit all required material as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
For additional information, please contact:

• Dr. Jean-Philippe Argaud [EDF], e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Dr. Cedric Goeury [EDF], e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.