PhD position (M/F) - Improving Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) processes using a microfluidic approach.

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Microbial Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) is a process used in geotechnical engineering and heritage preservation to improve the mechanical properties of low-cohesive soils and porous granular media, or to heal fractures that form in rock or concrete. As a substitute for other cementitious materials, this technique represents a low-carbon alternative for sustainable environmental engineering. Ureolytic bacteria, in particular, induce calcium carbonate precipitation through the consumption of urea and a concomitant rise in pH near the cell membrane. Precipitation can be homogeneous or heterogeneous within the porous medium, but only minerals which precipitate at the interface between two grains enhance the mechanical properties of the porous media. We invite application for a PhD at the CNRS-University of Toulouse to gain a better understanding of bioprecipitation processes in porous media, with a focus on the spatial distribution of bacterial colonization and the growth of biominerals in contact with the grains. The PhD candidate will characterize the parameters involved in precipitation, i.e. transport of injected reactants and bacteria, biological properties, and surface properties of the materials. The proposed approach focuses on microfluidic experiments using micro-fabricated porous media, which will be supplemented by reactive flow experiments on columns of granular material to validate or identify the limitations of the 2D approach. The work plan includes: (i) the fabrication of micro-models of increasing complexity; (ii) the functionalization of these micro-models to achieve surface properties that aim to bacterial adhesion and mineral growth at grain boundaries; (iii) the development of methods for in situ pH monitoring; and (iv) data processing (image analysis).
Keywords: microfluidics, bioprecipitation, porous media, MICP
Qualification. Required: Degree in chemistry, geosciences, physics, engineering or biophysics. Interest in fabrication techniques, experimental development, and multidisciplinary work. Preferred: background and/or experience in microfluidics and image processing. Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, scientific curiosity, and ability to synthesize information.

Your Work Environment

The doctoral research will take place at the Laboratory for Systems Analysis and Architecture (LAAS) within the MechaBioFluidics team, which has extensive expertise in microfluidics and microfabrication (a technology platform of the national ReNaTech network), in collaboration with the Laboratory Geosciences and Environment Toulouse (GET) within the Interfacial Reactivity and Biogeochemistry team, both located on the Belin-Roche campus at University of Toulouse. The doctoral research is part of the TIRIS Scalingup Microcoredeal project, which aims to develop micro-models with a focus on designing and fabricating models that bridge the gap between laboratory settings and natural environments. It fits with Sustainable Transitions axe of the TIRIS program (https://anr.fr/ProjetIA-22-EXES-0015), addressing challenges related to energy transition, resource conservation and improved utilization of georesources, and decarbonization of end-uses.
Full-time contract for 3 years, starting November 1, 2026. Affiliation with the GEETS doctoral school.

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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