Description du sujet de thèse

This research project aims to design and deploy a system based on autonomous communicating sensors, which can be buried and allow for long-term monitoring (10 years) of physicochemical and chemical soil parameters during the degradation processes of organic matter in aerobic and anaerobic environments. These sensors will need to be designed and then tested by integrating a pre-established specification, particularly regarding the duration of monitoring, the parameters measured, and the autonomous operation of the device. The computer, communication, and electronics part will be carried out in collaboration with Inria and IEMN.

Activities
- Exchanges with researchers and professionals
- Definition of key parameters to characterize the processes of organic matter decomposition (Physical: Conductivity, pH, Eh, O2 | gases: CO2, NH3, CH4, H2S | in solution: NO3-, NO2-, NH4+, HS-)
- State of the art of available sensors (possibility of transfer in the soil matrix, simplification, miniaturization)
- Definition of constraints related to soil geochemistry, pedology...
- Definition of the specifications: Number of parameters to monitor; Limit concentrations, repeatability, and reproducibility; Physical constraints (corrosion, temperatures, humidity, pressure); Sensor autonomy (auto-calibration, drifts…); Miniaturization, micro-devices, and embedded electronics
- Cost evaluation,
- Dafting of technical specifications (measured quantities, frequency, matrices used, calibration and drift…)
- Prototype design Tests in controlled, semi-controlled, and then natural conditions
- Optimization and validation
- Laboratory tests and inter-calibration exercises (comparisons with classical analytical methods to evaluate reliability, enclosure tests (temperature, pressure, humidity…) to assess field constraints
- Field tests under real conditions (mesocosms + statistical validations)
- Deployment on sites and data analysis
- Reports + publication

Expected skills Technical skills:
Advanced skills in analytical chemistry, environmental science, and soil science
Ideally: basics in automation, systems integration, electronics, and/or programming

Operational skills: • Design technical devices • Develop scientific and technological expertise • Write scientific documents

Research skills: - Ability to conduct independent research and publish results in scientific journals or in the form of reports - Analytical mindset and ability to solve complex problems - Field/laboratory experience - Field/laboratory experience - Interpersonal skills: Interpersonal skills: - Ability to work in a team and collaborate with multidisciplinary experts. - Communication skills to present research results to various audiences. - Adaptability and ability to work in various environments (laboratory and field).

An initial education at the Bac+5 level or higher is required.
The candidate must have a strong foundation in chemistry, preferably in soil chemistry. Engineer profiles and/or those with concrete and proven experience in electronics or prototype development will be preferred. We are looking for a motivated, autonomous candidate, attracted by the challenge of an innovative subject within a multidisciplinary team.
The candidate must demonstrate teamwork, interpersonal skills, and the ability to synthesize information in order to adapt to different audiences.

Work context: The position will be based in Lille, but the candidate is expected to be able to travel occasionally, particularly to Bordeaux and Paris.

Additional information
For any application or inquiry regarding the position, please send an email to Damien CHARABIDZE (damien.charabidze@univ-lille.fr) and Ludovic LESVEN (ludovic.lesven@univ-lille.fr). 3-year doctoral contract, starting on October 1, 2025. The candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school of Material Sciences, Radiation, and Environment (ED SMRE).
Any application must include a detailed curriculum vitae, a letter of intent, and any other elements that allow for the assessment of the candidate's skills and experience (recommendation letter, publication, etc.). Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.

Contexte de travail

The position will be based in Lille, but the candidate is expected to travel occasionally, particularly to Bordeaux and Paris.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

The position will be based in Lille, but the candidate is expected to travel occasionally, particularly to Bordeaux and Paris. Travel within France. Work with biological materials derived from the decomposition of organic matter.