Offer Description
Joining the French Geological Survey (BRGM) means becoming part of France’s leading public institution for Earth Science applications bringing together 1,000 wholeheartedly committed experts across 29 bases in Mainland and Overseas France. BRGM focuses on enhancing geological knowledge and understanding of surface and sub-surface-related phenomena, with a view to meeting the challenges of environmental changes through innovative projects with societal implications.
Context and contributions of the position
The quality of groundwater primarily depends on the ecosystem services provided by aquifers. Among these, the natural purification of water is a fundamental ecosystem service, particularly mitigating the increase of pollutants originating from anthropogenic activities. Microorganisms represent a significant portion of the biomass in these environments and play a crucial role in these self-purification processes. Their metabolic activities are predominant in many biogeochemical cycles and in the degradation processes of anthropogenic contaminants (both inorganic and organic). Despite this key role, little is known about microbial diversity and functions in groundwater in France. However, such knowledge is an essential prerequisite for a better understanding of aquifer functioning and the impact of pollution—an important step towards developing new monitoring tools complementary to those already in use, to improve groundwater management.
This PhD project aims to:
– characterize the diversity and functional status of bacterial communities in various hydrogeochemical contexts;
– assess the impact of anthropogenic pressures on major biogeochemical cycles in groundwater;
– build a toolbox allowing the integration of different sources of information to develop new management indicators.
To achieve these objectives, the research will rely on microbial ecotoxicology approaches (microbiological analyses, molecular biology, experimentation) combined with geochemical methods, through both field and laboratory studies.
Funding is provided for a PhD candidate integrated into the DEEPTHOUGHT project (“Evaluating nitrate transformation in aquifers using microbiological, molecular, and isotopic tools for an enhanced management of key groundwater ecosystem services”).
The role involves the acquisition of field and laboratory data in microbiology/geochemistry, data analysis and interpretation, as well as the dissemination of research results.
Where to apply
Website: https://brgm-recrute.talent-soft.com/job/job-phd-candidate-in-microbial-ecotoxi…
Skills/Qualifications
Required skills:
- Expertise in microbial ecology and/or ecotoxicology, particularly proficiency in diversity analysis methods (sequencing)
- Skills in statistical data processing (especially proficiency in R and/or Python programming)
- Knowledge in geochemistry/hydrology is a plus
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team
- Strong communication skills and ability to report results, excellent writing skills
- Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking).
Specific Requirements
This position requires both laboratory and fieldwork, with short-term travel within France and abroad (Europe) as needed for the project.
