The recruiting department

The Laboratory of Biogeochemistry of Organic Contaminants (LBCO) is one of the three thematic laboratories of the Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology Unit (BE) within the Biological Resources and Environment Department (RBE). The objectives of the LBCO is to contribute to the acquisition of knowledge on the biogeochemical behavior of Hydrophobic Organic Contaminants (HOCs) in the marine environment, with a particular focus on the processes controlling their transfer and fate in the food chain. The Laboratory also has the mission to lead the observation of this chemical contamination, to contribute to expertise and advice in this field, whilst perfecting its research and monitoring tools. The LBCO conducts an activity which combines the study of bioaccumulation processes and transfers from abiotic to biotic compartments, within organisms and populations and in marine food webs. It also contributes to studies on monitoring organic contaminants (WFD, MSFD, OSPAR, MEDPOL) for the

protection of marine environments.

Under the hierarchical responsibility of the Head of the Laboratory, and in close collaboration with other research scientists of the LBCO team and of the Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicolgy Unit, he/she will contribute to the various missions of the Laboratory, and will conduct research in the field of biogeochemistry of historical and emerging organic contaminants in the marine environment.

General areas of responsibility

The research developed by the scientist will aim, in particular, at understanding and identifying the processes of transfer of HOCs from abiotic compartments to marine organisms (distribution, exposure

pathways, bioavailability).

Principal activities

• Develop

  research on the biogeochemistry of historical HOCs and of emerging

  concern in the marine environment, particularly on (bio)availability

  aspects.

• Contribute to a better understanding of the processes

  governing the transfer of HOCs from aquatic (dissolved and particulate)

  and sediment compartments to marine organisms and their bioaccumulation.

• Be

  proactive in the activities carried out on integrative passive samplers

  (PSs) for HOCs, both in the context of research projects and in support

  of public authorities (e.g. within the Aquaref consortium). Beyond a

  measurement tool, PSs can be explored for the determination of

  bioavailability in the sedimentary compartment, or, coupled with an

  effect-directed analysis approach (EDA), to study the link between

  pressures from COHs (abiotic environment and organisms) and effects

  (BE/LEX link).

• Contribute to missions of expertise and support

  to the public authorities relating to the observation and the

  environmental impact of dangerous substances of anthropic origin in the

  marine environment. These activities are carried out, within the BE

  Unit, in collaboration with the Chemical Risk Analysis Unit, the

  scientific pilot of Descriptor 8 "Contaminants in the marine

  environment" of the MSFD and the coordination cell of the National

  Network of Observation of Chemical Contamination (French Mussel Watch).

• Develop research projects with national and international partners (especially European projects).
• Publish scientific articles.
• Supervise doctoral and post-doctoral students.

Collaborative work environment

•  Internal collaborative relationship

BE

Unit (thematic laboratories and operational cells) and other Ifremer

Units within the RBE Department, as well as with other Departments of

the institute (for example the coastal units of the Oceanography and

Dynamics of Ecosystems Department,  the Research and Technological

Developments Unit).

• External collaborative relationship

Universities,

other research institutes and networks at the regional, national and

international levels, such as Laberca (ONIRIS Nantes), University of

Nantes, Labex COTE, Aquaref consortium, GDR "Polymers and Oceans", the

NORMAN European network (emerging contaminants), the OSPAR / ICES groups

and MEDPOL.

• PhD in environmental chemistry or marine chemistry with competence in analytical chemistry.
• Post-doctoral experience.
• Experience in conducting multi-disciplinary national and international projects: appreciated.
• Experience in conducting experiments under controlled conditions desired.

Required knowledge, skills and characteristics

• Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Biogeochemistry of organic contaminants and/or marine chemistry and oceanography
• Analytical chemistry of organic contaminants (GC-MS, -MS:MS, HRMS, LC-MS/MS)
• Passive Sampling for Organic Contaminants (Technique and Process Understanding)
• Method for investigation of broad-spectrum OC
• Ability to work at sea and availability for sampling campaigns at sea
• Capabilities for project coordination
• English
• French
• Writing skills.

• Human qualities

• Organization, rigor and method, dynamism
• Ability to integrate and evolve in a multidisciplinary environment
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently

Full time job,

Embarkation at sea.