Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Biogeochemistry and Emerging Urban Contaminants (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The BISE team (Isotopic and Experimental Biogeochemistry) at the Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg (ITES) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher within the EU INTERREG project ReactiveCity, which aims to develop an integrated monitoring strategy for emerging urban contaminants (PFAS, antibiotics, and biocides) and their role in antibiotic resistance.
The project seeks to establish a novel, interdisciplinary framework combining passive sampling (DGT), advanced chemical analyses, isotope-based approaches (CSIA), and molecular biology tools to investigate:
• contaminant fluxes and bioavailable fractions in urban aquatic systems,
• transformation processes and interactions between contaminants,
• the potential role of PFAS and antibiotics in the selection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).
The successful candidate will contribute to the development of an integrated urban observatory of contaminants and to advancing process-based understanding of contaminant–resistance linkages at the city scale.

Activity

The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary research programme and includes:
• Developing and optimizing DGT passive samplers for simultaneous monitoring of PFAS, antibiotics, and biocides
• Designing and conducting laboratory experiments (performance tests, kinetics, microcosms)
• Investigating PFAS–antibiotic interactions and their effects on ARG selection
• Performing advanced chemical analyses (LC-MS/MS, HRMS) and isotope analyses (CSIA)
• Collaborating on molecular biology analyses (ddPCR quantification of ARGs)
• Participating in field campaigns in urban environments (rivers, wastewater treatment plants, stormwater systems)
• Integrating datasets to establish mass balances and vulnerability maps at the urban scale
• Contributing to simplified modelling approaches linking processes and observations
• Disseminating results through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and stakeholder interactions

Your Profil

Skills

Required technical skills
• PhD in environmental sciences, chemistry, biogeochemistry, hydrology, or a related field
• Experience in environmental contaminant analysis
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
Preferred skills
• Experience with LC-MS/MS or HRMS
• Knowledge of stable isotope techniques (CSIA)
• Background in environmental microbiology or antibiotic resistance
• Experience with passive sampling techniques (e.g. DGT)
• Programming skills (R, Python)
Transversal skills
• High level of autonomy and organizational skills
• Scientific rigor and critical thinking
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment
• Excellent scientific English (C1 level)

Your Work Environment

The Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg (ITES) is a joint research unit (UMR 7063) affiliated with CNRS, the University of Strasbourg, and ENGEES. The institute conducts interdisciplinary research on continental hydrosystems, environmental geochemistry, and Earth surface processes.
The postdoctoral researcher will join the BISE team, which has strong expertise in contaminant biogeochemistry and isotope-based approaches, and will benefit from access to state-of-the-art analytical platforms (LC-MS/MS, Orbitrap HRMS, IRMS).
The project is embedded in a dynamic research environment addressing key challenges in urban pollution, environmental health, and emerging contaminants, with strong links to national and European research initiatives.
ITES is located on the Strasbourg campus, easily accessible by public transportation. CNRS provides additional benefits, including partial reimbursement of transport costs and access to subsidized catering services.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €3,071.50 and €4,258.37 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