PhD in Chemistry and Marine Environmental Law (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The POEME project focuses on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of more than 4,700 persistent and mobile compounds that have been widely used since the 1950s and are now ubiquitous in the environment. The marine environment is their ultimate reservoir, but the processes governing their fate along the land–sea continuum remain poorly understood. Furthermore, there remains a discrepancy between the diversity of PFAS detected and the limited number of substances that are actually regulated (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS). This PhD thesis aims to study the dynamics of PFAS in a heavily anthropogenised coastal hydrosystem – the river–estuary–Brest Harbour continuum – and to analyse the extent to which legal frameworks align with observed environmental realities. The project is structured around three objectives: (1) to characterise the distribution and temporal variability of PFAS; (2) to assess ecological and human exposure via bioaccumulation in marine species and risks associated with consumption; (3) to analyse the consistency of European and national regulations, particularly with regard to emerging PFAS such as PFBS. The originality of the project lies in an integrated approach combining environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology and law, supported by the candidate's rare and complementary dual degree in chemistry and law. Seasonal multi-matrix sampling campaigns (estuary and marine waters, drinking water, effluents, surface micro-layer, biota) will enable the analysis of regulated and emerging PFAS using validated methods. The chemical findings will inform a comparative legal analysis (EU, France, pioneering countries), including a review of legislation, its effectiveness and legal disputes, with a view to identifying regulatory gaps. The thesis will result in operational recommendations for more appropriate governance of PFAS, in collaboration with local, national and international scientific networks.

Supervision is provided by an interdisciplinary consortium with complementary expertise that combines scientific rigour, legal relevance and methodological innovation: Matthieu Waeles (UBO LEMAR-Chibido) for marine chemistry and the analysis of biogeochemical processes; Marie Bonnin (IRD LEMAR-Discovery) for marine environmental law and the analysis of regulatory frameworks; Yann Aminot (IFREMER) for analytical and environmental expertise on emerging contaminants.

Your Work Environment

Work at LEMAR, a laboratory with 250 staff members, specifically within the CHIBIDO team.

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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