Missions

The Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l'Environnement (LCPME, UMR 7564 CNRS-Université de Lorraine) wishes to strengthen its interdisciplinary research activities on bio-interfaces by recruiting a post-doctoral researcher, who will join one of the three following projects: (1) AFM characterisation of the interactions between micro-organisms and (bio-)materials; (2) Application of electrochemistry for the monitoring and the elimination of the bio-fouling of on-site sensors; (3) Spectroscopic and microscopic characterisation of the response of bacterial biofilms exposed to pharmaceutical pollutants in aqueous media.

Activités

The candidate will integrate one of these three projects depending on his/her initial training and competencies. The characterisation of bio-interfaces will combine biomolecular approaches (next generation sequencing, q/dPCR), and physical chemistry approaches (atomic force microscopy, vibration spectroscopies). These approaches will allow the understanding of interactions that can be quantified by AFM (Young modulus measurements, surface properties characterisation...), or the monitoring of a biofilm growth by Raman or IR spectroscopy. Electrochemistry will monitor biofilm formation (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and limit their development by the electrogeneration of protons, reactive oxygen species or by the application of an intermittent electric field. The candidate will also participate to innovative strategic thinking at short or long term.

Compétences

The candidate will need to demonstrate strong competencies in at least one of the following disciplines: electrochemistry, spectroscopy, AFM or in microbiology (virology or bacteriology). S/He will be motivated to participate to interdisciplinary research in agreement with the research themes of LCPME.

Contexte de travail

LCPME is an interdisciplinary laboratory (electrochemistry, spectroscopy and microbiology), which focuses part of its research activities on the exploration of fundamental mechanisms at bio-interfaces. The adherence-aggregation of micro-organisms (virus, bacteria) at (bio-)materials in the environment are governed by surface properties of both entities. In this context, the investigation of the relationship between genetic information of micro-organisms and their physical chemistry surface properties is pivotal to many societal issues such as wastewater-based epidemiology, water treatment, antimicrobial materials functionalised by bacteriophages, biofilm formation and treatment, and biofouling of electrochemical sensors.