About the Role
Company: INRAE Occitanie-Toulouse
Presentation of INRAE
The National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is a public research establishment bringing together a community of 12,000 people across 272 research, service, and experimental units located in 18 centers throughout France. INRAE is among the world’s leading institutions in agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences. Its research aims to develop solutions for multi-performing agriculture, high-quality food, and the sustainable management of resources and ecosystems.
Work Environment, Missions, and Activities
You will be hosted at the Info&Sols Research Unit (INRAE Orléans), whose missions include building and maintaining the national soil information system for France (within the Scientific Interest Group GIS Sol), and monitoring soil quality evolution.
The unit leads several soil inventory and monitoring programs, consolidates data into the national information system (DoneSol database), and supports data valorization. It ensures quality control of sampling and collected data, manages sample preparation and storage at the European Soil Specimen Conservatory (CEES), performs physical measurements on selected samples, and fosters network cohesion through regular exchanges and an annual program seminar.
Project Context
The Maximum Usable Water Reservoir (RUM) of a soil represents the maximum amount of water it can retain and supply to plants. RUM primarily depends on soil texture (clay, silt, and sand proportions), depth, coarse fragment content, and organic carbon content. This indicator is essential for assessing crop water availability and, more broadly, for modeling soil hydrological behavior.
Within the CAREX program (characterization of environments of INRAE experimental units), the Info&Sols unit has conducted soil studies since 2013 across multiple French locations. These studies aim to produce soil type maps and measured RUM reference values. The program now holds a substantial dataset suitable for comparative cartographic studies.
Internship Objectives
The internship aims to propose a ready-to-use RUM mapping tool integrating multiple methods—without requiring coding, complex configuration, or user development. To achieve this, the intern will:
Test various RUM mapping methods;
Compare results to identify the most appropriate approaches for intended applications.
Identified Mapping Methods
Statistical calculation per soil mapping unit
Statistical or geostatistical spatial interpolation methods (e.g., kriging)
Statistical modeling methods such as Quantile Random Forest
Internship Activities
Review and inventory existing mapping methods (literature analysis)
Identify user needs (in coordination with the CAREX team and experimental units)
Test selected methods, including the CartoRUM Python-based tool for automated RUM calculation and mapping from soil surface maps
Compare results to determine the most suitable method(s)
Propose "turnkey" tools for future studies (tool development)
Internship Period
Scheduled to begin in March 2027, with flexible start date aligned with academic calendars.
Required Education and Skills
Master’s or Engineering Degree (Bac+5)
Desired Competencies
Proficiency in Python and R (using and adapting existing scripts; developing new ones)
Experience with GIS software (QGIS and/or ArcGIS) and spatial analysis
Critical thinking, interest in modeling and cartography
Preference for office-based work (no fieldwork)
High rigor, attention to detail, organizational and writing skills
Proficiency in office software
Knowledge of pedology is a plus
Quality of Life at INRAE
As an INRAE employee (subject to contract type and duration), you benefit from:
Up to 30 days of annual leave + 15 RTT days (for full-time positions)
Parental support: childcare CESU vouchers, leisure subsidies
Skill development: training, career counseling
Social support: advice, listening, social aid and loans
Vacation and leisure benefits: holiday vouchers, preferential-rate accommodations
Sports and cultural activities
Collective catering
Application Process
Please send your CV and motivation letter.
Important Notes for Candidates
As a public research establishment, INRAE is subject to the French Public Service Code, including obligations of neutrality and respect for secularism (laïcité).
In the performance of their duties (whether or not interacting with the public), all personnel must refrain from expressing religious, philosophical, or political convictions through behavior or attire.
For more information: fonction publique.gouv.fr (https://www.fonction-publique.gouv.fr)