M/F PhD in Water Chemistry

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Climate change and human-induced pressures are profoundly altering the quality of surface water. These changes are reflected, in particular, by an intensification of eutrophication, an increase in the production of natural organic matter (NOM), and changes in its physicochemical properties. These changes can have significant consequences for chemical disinfection, particularly regarding disinfectant consumption and the formation of disinfection byproducts, some of which may pose risks to human health and ecosystems. The ANR Biocide-Watch project aims to study the reactivity of monochloramine (NH₂Cl), used for the microbiological control of cooling systems, in the context of climate change. The objective is to better understand the role of the structural properties of NOM in the formation of byproducts and monochloramine consumption. Chloramination experiments will be conducted in the laboratory on water samples collected from various rivers. Experiments will also be carried out on organic matter extracts as well as on surface water subjected to climate simulation experiments. Different treatment conditions will be applied to study the influence of temperature, the presence of bromide ions, or the method of monochloramine preparation. The MON will be analyzed using advanced characterization methods (fluorescence, size-exclusion chromatography, etc.). Various families of disinfection byproducts will be investigated: trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, haloacetonitriles, haloacetamides, and total halogenated organic compounds. Finally, all the data will be used to develop predictive models for monochloramine consumption and byproduct formation.
In this context, the successful candidate will be responsible for conducting oxidation experiments, performing analyses, and developing predictive models. The candidate will be responsible for the following activities:
- characterization of water and natural organic matter
- preparation of oxidizing solutions and conduct of oxidation experiments
- analysis of disinfection byproducts using chromatographic techniques
- development of predictive models - supervision of interns (Master's I and II)
- presentation of results at consortium progress meetings
- preparation of bibliographic and progress reports
Candidates must hold a master's degree in Chemistry or Water Sciences or an equivalent engineering degree (water/environment/processes). Candidates must:
- be proficient in analytical techniques applied to the field of water
- be fluent in English
- be able to write scientific reports in French and English
- be able to work in a team
- an interest in the development of IT tools would be a plus.
The successful candidate must have the motivation and enthusiasm necessary to lead the research project.

Your Work Environment

The research will be conducted at the CNRS's "Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers" (IC2MP – UMR CNRS 7285 – https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/) within the Water, Biomarkers, Organic Contaminants, and Environments team, under the supervision of the principal investigator.
The candidate will be affiliated with the Rosalind Franklin Doctoral School in Poitiers

Constraints and risks

Standard chemical hazards.
The candidate will be subject to the laboratory's internal regulations regarding all health and safety rules.
Occasional assignments in France are possible.

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