Description of the thesis topic

Despite the acceleration in the rise in sea levels around the world, little is known about the risks to aquatic biodiversity and the transfer of contaminants as a result of coastal flooding. Recent results show that, following the reconnection of soft marshes to the sea, there has been an increase in mercury (Hg) concentrations in aquatic species (crayfish, perch and eels), a change in the structure of the food web and the arrival of new species (sticklebacks) that are particularly contaminated. These results raise questions about the effects of environmental factors linked to climate change on the ecodynamics of contaminants.
As part of a post-doctoral project, several field campaigns are currently being carried out in the coastal marshes of Brouage and Tasdon, which are socio-ecosystems that differ in terms of their uses, management, habitability and modes of salinisation. The aim of the doctoral work is to validate in the laboratory the influence of variations in water salinity on the transfer and bioavailability of contaminants (metals, MPs/NPLs and pesticides) through simplified food chains. The person recruited will also take part in field campaigns.
The PhD student will carry out the following activities (non-exhaustive list):
- Designing and setting up experiments
- Preparation of samples and organisation of analyses
- Statistical analysis of data
- Promotion of results through publications
Do you have a strong aptitude for laboratory work, good knowledge of ecology, ecotoxicology and/or environmental chemistry and an affinity for issues relating to global change and the coastal environment?
Don't hesitate to apply!

Work Context

The doctoral project will be carried out within the UMRi 7266 LIENSs La Rochelle University - CNRS (https://lienss.univ-larochelle.fr/Presentation-491) and is part of the Observatoire de Brouage project (led by Valérie Ballu) and the CNRS 'TransLittEnv' Chair (led by Adélaïde Lerebours) aimed at determining the impact of salinisation on the dynamics of pollutants (metals, micro/nano-plastics (MPs/NPLs) and pesticides) and the health of coastal ecosystems. Co-supervision is planned with François Brischoux (UMR 7372 CEBC, La Rochelle University). There will also be interaction with Ophélia Gestin (researcher/post-doctoral fellow, TransLitttEnv Chair), researchers from the BCBS (Kevin Baranger and Hugo Groult), AMARE (https://lienss.univ-larochelle.fr/Equipe-AMARE) and BIOFEEL (https://lienss.univ-larochelle.fr/Equipe-BIOFEEL) teams and researchers from national and international laboratories.
The post for which the candidate is applying is in a sector covered by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, validation by the competent authority of the MESR.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

Field campaigns at varying times.