Les missions du poste
Closure date for receipt of applications : 23/06/2025
Within IFREMER, the French National Institute for Ocean Science, an international reference for marine scientific research, the Chemical Contamination of Marine Ecosystems Research Unit (CCEM - https://ccem.ifremer.fr/en) undertakes research on the characterisation of the oceanic chemical exposome and its impact on marine species. Its objectives are to improve our understanding of the dynamics of chemical contaminants in the marine environment, to explore their sources and transfer towards and within marine organisms, their biological effects, and to support environmental policy implementation on the monitoring and assessment of the quality of the marine environment. CCEM is located in Nantes at Ifremer's Atlantic Center and is attached to the Biological Resources and Environment Department (RBE).
Principal activities and responsibilities
The research activity will BE carried out within the framework of the Horizon Europe Project CONTRAST (https://www.contrastproject.eu/). CONTRAST ambition is to develop solutions to monitor how chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) are affecting the oceans. More specifically, the post-doctorate objectives are to 1) map chemical contamination levels and profiles in European coastal surface sediments, 2) assess if and how chemical contaminants shape taxonomic and functional biodiversity of microorganisms, and 3) identifywhether specific communities of microorganisms can BE associate to contamination in order to suggest potential bioindicator of local or regional contamination across Europe.
This work will BE based on 2 studies
- Field observation. Sediment samples were collected as part of a unique pan-European Expedition in 2023 and 2024 (TREC - https://www.embl.org/about/info/trec/). Chemical contaminants (both legacy and CEC) are analysed by CONTRAST partners in a selection of samples. Microbial diversity (eDNA metabarcoding) will BE analysed in the frame of the project BIOcean5D. You will BE responsible for the in-depth biostatistical analysis of these results. You will also supervise the collection of the data and make sure that the data will BE made available in public databases as the project is engaged in open data strategy.
- Laboratory experiments. Microbial community changes will BE assessed in sediment spiked with CECs. You will i) contribute to the experimental design and conduct the experiment, ii) coordinate the analysis including e.g. contaminant analysis, eDNA metabarcoding, and additional diversity characterization which might BE performed in collaboration (still to BE determined) and performed analyses according to your expertise, iii) BE responsible for the in-depth biostatistical analysis of these results.
The contamination map (objective 1) will BE based on the field observation (TREC sampling) and will provide a spatial assessment of the contaminant occurrence and levels.
The relationship between contamination and biodiversity (objectives 2 and 3) will BE assessed based on field and experimental observations and might enable to identification of potential indicator species or functions that are sensitive to chemical contamination.
Collaborative work environment
- Internal collaborative relationship will at least include :
- RBE/CCEM, ODE/DYNECO-PELAGOS, REM/ BEEP-LEP, IRSI/SeBIMer
- External collaborative relationship will at least include :
- CONTRAST project partners, especially the ones involved in contaminant and biodiversity analysis in experimental set up.
- TREC consortium
- BIOOCEAN5D consortium (EMBL- EU; IOPAN -Poland; Univ. Copenhagen DK)
Specific working conditions
- Post-doctoral fellowship (24 months)
- The position will BE based in Nantes.
Le profil recherché
Required education and experience
PhD in microbial ecology/ ecotoxicology or a related thematic (PhD obtained within the past 3 years).
Required knowledge, skills and characteristics
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Proven extensive competency in both data production and statistical analysis of at least one data type : contaminant or eDNA metabarcoding
- Excellent R coding skills
- Experience with designing and conducting exposure experiments
- Experience with indicator development
Communication skills
- Excellent scientific writing skills
- Proven ability to present results effectively and synthetically
- Interest in collaborative projects (international partners)
- Fluency in English (both oral and written) and effective communication skills
Inter-personal skills
- Strong organisation skills and critical thinking
- Professional rigour and autonomy
- Good team-working skills
Bienvenue chez Ifremer
Join Ifremer, an ally of planetary well-being, to gain a better understanding of and better protection for the ocean.
From the abyss to the surface, from the coast to the open SEA, Ifremer is the French research institute that is wholly dedicated to the Ocean. Its teams carry out research, innovate and produce expert reports to protect the ocean, exploit its resources in a responsible manner and shares marine data.
Ifremer contributes its scientific expertise to throw light on public policies and develops solutions drawn from the ocean to meet the challenges of the ecological transition. Ifremer is the operator of France's oceanographic fleet with its shipbuilding subsidiary Genavir, and imagines, designs and deploys leading edge technological means to solve the ocean's mysteries.
Join our teams, made up of 1500 scientists and research support staff, present all along the coastal areas of France and French overseas territories.
www.ifremer.fr
Infos complémentaires
How do I apply?
Please attach your CV and covering letter in a single pdf document.
All applications are processed exclusively via our website. Informal enquiries may BE made to Aourell Mauffret and Raffaele Siano.
What are your benefits?
- We have a teleworking agreement and our staff have 12 comp time days and supra statutory leave.
- We allocate a significant budget to developing skills, through individual or collective training actions.
- We have a CSR policy inspired by the purposes of the institute (sustainable mobility allowance, etc.)
