Post-doctoral Position

Involved in several French and international projects, the CCEM unit has recognized expertise in the study of hydrophobic organic contaminants and related chemicals and has state-of-the-art instrumental and laboratory equipment for trace analyses.

**Context**

**Key activities and responsibilities**

You will work in task 1.2 of the BIOcean5D project (Marine biodiversity change from pre-industrial to modern times unveiled by sediment paleogenomics), led by IFREMER. You will be involved in all laboratory activities to determine the chemical profile of contaminants in the sediment cores collected:
(1) The focus will be on the analysis of two families of emerging organic contaminants, namely organophosphate esters (OPEs), flame retardants and plasticizers, and per
- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These analyses will be performed using advanced extraction techniques (e.g. ASE, MAE) in combination with LC-MS/MS;
(2) You will also work on the analysis of inorganic contaminants (metals/metalloids, rare earth elements, stable isotopes of metals, etc.) in the same sediment cores using ICP-MS techniques;
(3) You will be expected to integrate organic and inorganic contaminant results and lead the writing of peer-reviewed publications on multi-contaminant chemical profiles in sediment cores at the European scale;
(4) You will present these results at an international conference and at project meetings and interact with other project partners to contribute to the incorporation of chemical profiles into biodiversity measurements.

**Collaborations**
- IFREMER-CCEM Research engineers and Laboratory Technicians (Organic and Inorganic Contaminants)
- IFREMER-PELAGOS (Pelagic Ecology Research Unit)
- Other leading European research institutions (e.g. EMBL) and stakeholders participating in BIOocen5D.
- PhD in environmental/analytical chemistry or similar, thesis obtained for a maximum of 3 years
- Knowledge of environmental organic chemistry and marine pollution research in general.
- Knowledge and practical experience with the most common sample extraction and cleaning methods and instrumental techniques (mainly LC-MS/MS, TQ-ICP-MS) for environmental analysis of trace organic and inorganic contaminants
- Motivation for laboratory work on organic compounds.
- Scientific writing and presentation skills (a good publication record is expected)
- Fluent English essential
- Autonomy and critical thinking skills
- Coordination/teamwork skills to lead and coordinate the necessary analytical determinations in close interaction with laboratory ingénieur.es and technicians.

Previous postgraduate/professional experience relevant to the position is desirable. A good knowledge of French would be an advantage.

**Working conditions**

(1) Access to specialized controlled atmosphere laboratories for the analysis of traces of organic and inorganic contaminants and all the necessary instrumentation to carry out the project (on-site and through collaborations), as well as supervision by qualified technical and scientific staff;
(2) Opportunities to participate in national and international conferences and workshops;
(3) Planned travel to attend project meetings and/or present results at national and international conferences.

The post-doctoral researcher will be hired by IFREMER on a temporary basis (fixed-term contract) for a fixed period of 18 months.

Anticipated start date**:April 1, 2025**

Qui sommes nous ?

**The Institute**

A pioneer in ocean science, IFREMER's cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development and open science. Our vision is to advance science, expertise and innovation to:

- Protect and restore the ocean
- Sustainably use marine resources to benefit society
- Create and share ocean data, information & knowledge.

With more than 1,500 personnel spread along the French coastline in more than 20 sites, the Institute explores the 3 great oceans : the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A leader in ocean science, IFREMER is managing the French Oceanographic Fleet and its dedicated scientists create ground-breaking technology to push the boundaries of ocean exploration and knowledge, from the abyss to the atmosphere-ocean interface.

Well-established in the international scientific community, our scientists, engineers and technicians are committed to advance knowledge about our planet's last unexplored frontiers. They provide the science we need for informed decision-making and public policy and they transfer this knowledge and technology to businesses to fulfill public and private needs. Core to our mission is also to strengthen public awareness about the importance of understanding the ocean and its resources, and empowering future generations of leaders through education and outreach national campaigns.