Researcher in High-Pressure Anaerobic Microbiology - M/F

Job Description

Missions

The proposed researcher position will be part of the "Modeling the interaction between microorganisms and H2 in deep environments" task of the ORHYON Chair. The researcher will be in charge of the microbiological aspects. Three model microbial strains have been isolated and characterized: a methanogenic archaeon, a sulfate-reducer, and a homoacetogen. The effect of various parameters (partial pressures of H2 and CO2, temperature, salinity, etc.) on microbial growth will be monitored on these pure strains and co-cultures, thereby revealing processes of competition or mutualism between the strains. The results of these experiments will be modeled using an IFPEN calculation code dedicated to biogeochemical reactions in order to determine kinetic parameters and use them to numerically reproduce the laboratory experiments (a task carried out by IFPEN as a project partner). The predictive capacity of the models will then be evaluated by comparing the results of the co-culture simulations (substrate consumption rate and product appearance, population size variations, etc.) with experimental observations.
Experiments in high-pressure cells must allow for the realization of axenic cultures and co-cultures by imposing a controlled flow within rock cores, thus simulating fluid transfers in deep environments. The modification of petrophysical properties induced by microbial development will be measured by pressure monitoring during the tests, as well as by X-ray tomography and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) analyses of the cores at the beginning and end of the experiment. All data obtained will be used to feed numerical models coupling flow and biogeochemical reactivity (the researcher will interact with a modeler).

Activity

Main Tasks:
• Culture, physiological characterization, and co-culture of anaerobic microorganisms.
• Monitoring of growth and the evolution of aqueous and gaseous phases of cultures.
• Development and use of a high-pressure flow cell.
• Microscopic monitoring of cellular status.
• Writing reports and scientific articles in international journals.
• Presentation of results to the Chair's partners.
Secondary Tasks:
• Collaboration with modelers.
• Collaboration with imaging specialists (X-ray Tomography, NMR).

Your Profil

Skills

• Hold a PhD in microbiology.
• Mastery of anaerobic microbiology is essential, particularly the culture of methanogenic archaea and sulfate-reducing bacteria.
• Experience in handling high-pressure cells or reactors.
• A strong interest in multi-disciplinarity (microbiology, molecular biology, computer science, modeling, X-ray tomography and NMR imaging...) and an open mind.
• Ability to work in a team (especially with other disciplinary fields).
• Autonomy on the subject.
• Writing and communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of issues related to hydrogen and microorganisms would be a plus.

Your Work Environment

The ORHYON industrial chair relies on the complementary strengths of Engie and UPPA to pave the way for competitive sustainable hydrogen solutions (natural hydrogen, UGS storage). This project began in 2020 and will end in December 2026. The main objective is to understand H2 mobility and biochemical reactivity in natural porous media, from deep environments to the surface. Concretely, the results provided by this project lead to a better understanding of the processes controlling H2 migration and retention in geological formations, but also to new tools and methodologies to reduce risks related to geological storage, to specify the potential of H2 as an energy resource, and to provide technical advice for its exploration and production.
IPREM brings together more than 300 people interested in the development of fundamental knowledge in physico-chemistry, analytical chemistry, and microbiology, in relation to applications concerning the structure of living things, environmental management, and the functional properties of different classes of materials.
The recruited person will be based in the IBEAS building (IPREM) at the University of Pau and the Adour Region. He/she will interact with the academic (DMEX, IFPEN) and industrial (Engie, Storengy) partners of the Chair.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €3 041 and €4 216 gross monthly depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions