post doctorat at PMMH (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The postdoctoral researcher will study in detail the heteroaggregation of microplastics with microorganisms in flows, quantifying the effect of microorganisms and hydrodynamic conditions on biofilm development and on the structure of the resulting aggregates. This work will rely on a microfluidic and acoustofluidic platform under development in the laboratory, enabling the culture, observation, and contactless manipulation of these objects. Particular attention will be paid to the biological composition and properties of the biofilms.

Activity

• Setting up and optimizing experimental protocols: culture of microorganisms (bacteria, micro-algae) under microfluidic flow, preparation and characterization of model microplastic suspensions
• Performing heteroaggregation experiments and monitoring biofilm formation by optical and fluorescence microscopy
• Analyzing and quantifying biofilm structure and growth (imaging, image analysis)
• Analyzing the expression of target genes (RT-qPCR) as a function of culture conditions (flow, presence of microplastics)
• Data analysis, writing scientific publications, and presenting results at conferences
• Contributing to supervision and to the scientific life of the laboratory

Your Profil

Skills

• Strong background in microbiology, microbial ecology and biofilm studies: culture of bacteria and/or micro-algae, classical characterization techniques (growth monitoring, optical and confocal microscopy, fluorescence staining) and biomolecular analysis (DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, sequencing analysis)
• Knowledge of microplastics and their interaction with microorganisms, advanced polymer characterization techniques
• Proficiency in image analysis and data processing tools (Python)
• Experimental rigor, autonomy, and ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment at the physics–biology interface
• Good scientific communication skills (fluent English, scientific writing)

Your Work Environment

The postdoctoral researcher will be hosted at the PMMH laboratory (Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, UMR 7636 CNRS–ESPCI–PSL–Sorbonne Université–Université Paris Cité) in Paris (5th arrondissement), in Alice Pelosse's team. The project lies at the interface between fluid mechanics, soft matter physics, and environmental microbiology. It will be conducted in close collaboration with Olivier Espeli's team at the Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en biologie, Collège de France, for all the aspects on microbiology (biofilms, bacterial genetics).

Constraints and risks

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Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3571,35 euros

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