PhD Candidate in Molecular Microbiology - M/F

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Project description : Impact of Metal-Carrying Nanoplastics on Marine Microorganisms.
Marine plastic pollution, particularly nanoplastics, is a major environmental concern. These particles can adsorb or be engineered to carry metals, whether essential (e.g. Cu, Fe) or toxic (e.g. Cd, Pb). Their interaction with marine microorganisms, which play key roles in ecosystems, remains poorly understood.
This PhD project lies at the interface of marine microbiology, chemistry, and molecular biology. It is based on close collaboration with chemists developing nanoplastics capable of carrying different types of metals. The main objective is to understand how nanoplastics, alone or loaded with metals, influence the physiology of marine microorganisms.
Scientific questions to be addressed include:
• Does the presence of metals modify the effects or biodegradability of nanoplastics in marine microorganisms?
• Do nanoplastics alter metal bioavailability (do they facilitate metal uptake into cells or, conversely, limit it)?
• What cellular and molecular responses are associated with these exposures?
Responsibilities of the PhD Candidate
1. Evaluate the toxicity and/or essentiality of nanoplastics, alone or as metal carriers, in model marine microorganisms depending on their responses to metals.
2. Characterize cellular responses to nanoplastic exposure using omics approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, and/or metabolomics).
3. Identify genetic and molecular markers involved in degradation of or interaction with nanoplastics, as well as in metal utilization and responses to metal toxicity.

Candidate Profile :
• Master's degree (MSc or equivalent) in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Skills in experimental microbiology, particularly bacterial culture, and molecular biology.
• Interest in interdisciplinary approaches (biology/chemistry interface).
• Knowledge of omics approaches would be an asset.
• Rigor, autonomy, and ability to work collaboratively.

Applicants should include:
• Detailed CV
• Cover letter
• Bachelor's and Master's transcripts
• 1 or 2 recommendation letters
• Contact information for referees

Scientific Supervisors: Dr. Bahia Khalfaoui Hassani
(Co-supervision: Dr. Sophie Nolivos; Co-mentoring: Dr. Séverine Le Faucheur and Dr. Bruno Grassl)

Your Work Environment

The Institute of Analytical Sciences and Physico-Chemistry for Environment and Materials (IPREM - UMR 5254) is a joint research unit of the CNRS and the University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour. Research at IPREM focuses on developing fundamental knowledge in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and microbiology. These studies are applied to living systems, the environment, and the functional properties of various classes of materials.
Research conducted within this project contributes to understanding mechanisms of metal essentiality and toxicity through interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly among microbiologists, ecotoxicologists, and chemists.
The project is led by a group of 13 scientists, including microbiologist ecotoxicologists, analytical chemists, and theoretical chemists at IPREM. It is funded by a 4-year single-team ANR project, OceanCare.

Constraints and risks

Exposure to certain chemicals.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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