PhD student in analytical chemistry applied to the environment and ecotoxicology - M/F

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Description of the thesis topic: Bioaccumulation of metals in periphytic biofilms: Influence of environmental and internal parameters.

Metals are naturally present in fresh water, but human activities can increase their concentrations and change their forms (speciation). These new concentrations and forms define the bioavailability of metals to organisms so their exposure to toxicity risk. As exemple, periphytic biofilms are communities of microorganisms that grow on submerged substrates. Numerous studies have shown that the bioaccumulation of metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn) in biofilms is a function of the speciation of metals in solution, representing an interesting proxy for the bioavailable forms of metals in solution. Nevertheless, these relationships are not always obtained, suggesting that some factors affecting bioaccumulation are not yet identified. In this project, we will therefore be interested in identifying these parameters related to the ambient environment as well as those related to the composition and structure of biofilms.
The recruited candidate will be responsible for:
- Conduct laboratory biofilm exposure experiments in a chemically controlled environment to link speciation of metals in solution to accumulation in biofilms.
- Perform state-of-the-art analyses on metal distribution and chemical gradients internal to the biofilm (pH and oxygen microelectrodes, detection of reactive oxygen species by fluorescence, SEM imaging, metal detections by ICPMS or EDX laser ablation)
- Conduct field sampling to determine the link between metal speciation and accumulation in biofilms.
These experiments will be carried out in parallel with a complementary PhD project on the analytical development of tools for speciation of metals in solution at the University of Limoges.

The ideal candidate has a Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry or Environmental Sciences with an interest in ecotoxicology. He/she is passionate about environmental issues, rigorous and highly motivated to be part of a multidisciplinary scientific team. Experience in analytical development and speciation of metals would be a plus. The candidate must have a good level of English and the ability to work independently.

Your Work Environment

The Institute of Analytical Sciences and Physical Chemistry for the Environment and Materials (IPREM) is a joint CNRS/UPPA research unit (UMR 5254). The research carried out at IPREM focuses on the development of fundamental knowledge in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry and microbiology. They are applied to the study of living things and the environment, as well as to the functional properties of different classes of materials. The skills of IPREM members in physical chemistry and analytical chemistry concern the development of methodologies for the analysis and speciation of trace elements in environmental and biological samples. Research work thus contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of essentiality or toxicity of metals through interdisciplinary collaborations, in particular with ecotoxicologists.
This project is being carried out in collaboration with a group of analytical chemistry researchers from the University of Limoges and environmental scientists from the Adour-Garonne water agency.

Constraints and risks

Water and biofilm samples will be regularly taken in the field, mainly in rivers. The candidate will then work outdoors, in climatic conditions that can be difficult depending on the season.

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

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