Description du sujet de thèse

We are looking for a highly creative, qualified and motivated young scientist for the ongoing collaborative research project 'TOPENSUZ' on the transport and transformation of pesticides and transformation products from agricultural soils to groundwater in relation to the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle. The PhD project is coordinated by Earth & Environment Strasbourg (ITES-UMR 7063; https://ites.unistra.fr/) of the University of Strasbourg (https://www.unistra.fr/), in collaboration with IPREM-Pau and the Sorbonne University, and funded by the French Rhine-Meuse Water Agency (AERM, https://www.eau-rhin-meuse.fr/).

Little is known about the transformation of pesticides and the formation of transformation products in relation to the nitrogen cycle in the unsaturated zone, i.e. the part of the subsurface between the soil and the water table. The project includes (i) the development of in situ studies of pesticide transformation in the unsaturated zone and groundwater from point and passive sampling; (ii) the acquisition of hydrogeochemical and stable isotope data, i.e. the use of pesticide-specific multi-elemental isotope analyses, from laboratory and field studies; (iii) the mechanistic interpretation of pesticide reactive transport at different scales, from agricultural soil to groundwater The successful candidate will contribute to the development of conceptual approaches and new integrative experimental tools to monitor and understand the transformation processes of problematic pesticides and their transformation products.

The work to be carried out by the PhD student will include
- Assessment of pesticide transformation in specific locations of a major aquifer in Alsace (France), including drinking water catchment areas, sampling approaches and chemical analyses.
- Application of stable isotope analytical methods for pesticides in environmental compartments
- Interpretation and prediction of pesticide dissipation processes in relation to the nitrogen cycle and fertilisation.
- Work in collaboration within a multidisciplinary team and with external partners (IPREM Pau and Sorbonne University)
- Prepare peer-reviewed scientific publications and presentations for scientific conferences.

The duration of the position is 36 months. We offer a salary and benefits in accordance with French public sector regulations: 2.135€ gross per month.

Contexte de travail

The Earth & Environment Institute (about 200 staff) develops four disciplinary pillars to study the Earth and its surface environment: hydrology, geochemistry, geology and geophysics. In particular, ITES conducts laboratory and field experiments to study the transport of water and contaminants. Our interdisciplinary team focuses on the transformation of pollutants in watersheds, soils and aquifers by combining hydrological, microbiological and stable isotope approaches. Research at the University of Strasbourg covers all fields of science and encourages interdisciplinary and international collaborations. Located in the heart of Europe in a trinational region with dynamic social and economic activity, Strasbourg is a pioneer in terms of environmental awareness and sustainability in France, and a very pleasant place to live.

Contraintes et risques

Field work. Laboratory work.

Informations complémentaires

Applications will require:
- Master's degree in contaminant hydrogeology or biogeochemistry and/or environmental chemistry obtained within the last two years (candidates who have submitted a master's thesis after 1 January 2021 will be considered).
- Experience in fieldwork, hydrochemical analysis, analytical chemistry and possibly isotope analysis.
- Good command of the English language (written and oral)
- Proven ability to present scientific results, at least one published or forthcoming paper in peer-reviewed journals in the field.
- Communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers and technicians. Proven experience in international research is required.
- Working knowledge of applied hydrology/hydrogeology, pollutant transformation, pesticide chemistry, sampling methods, hydro(geo)logical modelling, stable isotope analysis and/or CSIA will be an added advantage.

Please submit your application (1 PDF file only if possible) including a letter of motivation, a detailed CV, a list of publications, copies of certificates, letters of recommendation from at least two referees and all other relevant information.