General information

Reference

2025-2722  

Position description

Category

F01 Biology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Chlordecone biotransformation in tropical soils

Contract

Post-doctoral contrat

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

18 months

Context and contributions of the position

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.

The soils of Martinique and Guadeloupe (French West Indies) are contaminated by chlordecone (CLD; C10Cl10O), an organochlorine pesticide that was officially used in the French West Indies until 1993 to protect banana plantations against the black banana Weevil. CLD persists in the environment and soil still represents a source of CLD. More than 45% of the agricultural soils in Martinique are contaminated by CLD.

High concentrations in the soils can lead to crop products exceeding the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL, 20 mg/kg of fresh product) applied to tropical crops. Reducing soil contamination by CLD is therefore a major issue that, in turn, would help to reduce its presence in other environmental compartments, as well as exposure and, consequently, the health and environmental impacts and risks.

Job description

Remediation techniques have been developed in recent years by partners involved in the DéMETer project (ANR 2023-2026), which funds this post-doctoral position. The main objective of the project is to deploy an efficient, economically viable, operational, and acceptable method for treating soils contaminated by CLD and its degradation products. The results of these techniques are promising for the soils of Martinique, and they rely on an in situ chemical reduction process (ISCR) or phytoremediation. However, these methods still need to be optimized and up-scaled from the laboratory to the field.

Most importantly, they need to be accepted by local populations. The proposed post-doctoral position fits into this context, focusing on optimizing (bio)remediation techniques, understanding the biogeochemical processes at play, evaluating the impacts of deployed techniques on soil functioning, and optimizing methods for extracting CLD from the soil.

Within the "Groundwater Quality" team of the water department at BRGM, the post-doctoral activities will primarily involve setting up and monitoring laboratory experiments and, potentially, fieldwork in Martinique (short-term missions), as well as adapting CLD extraction methods in soils using the Quechers method. Interpretation of results and publication in scientific journals will also be part of the role.

Profile

Requested start date : 01/06/2025
Education : PhD
Experience : 1 - 5 years

You will demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

- Experience in setting up experiments for (bio)degradation of complex organic compounds is required.
- Knowledge in biogeochemistry, organic chemistry, and/or microbiology would be an advantage.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential.
- Excellent scientific writing and communication skills, with proficiency in both written and spoken English, are required.

Working conditions

Laboratory work, work that may require wearing personal protective equipment, office work (writing). Travel and occasional participation planned for field demonstrators in Martinique and for meetings/conferences.

Within an environment that promotes a healthy work/life balance, particularly thanks to remote working, BRGM prides itself on providing a friendly and caring place to work.
Awarded HRS4R certification in 2021, we are committed to supporting you throughout your career at BRGM. We provide you with a range of tools for developing your skills and expertise, with scope for career progression and geographic mobility.
At BRGM, you will gain from such benefits as a 13th month salary, days off compensating for unpaid overtime, a company canteen, sports facilities as well as holiday and leisure options.

At BRGM, you are guaranteed a transparent recruitment process. It is easy to apply! Please send us your application (up-to-date CV and cover letter) by 06/04/2025.

Because diversity matters to us at BRGM, all of our job vacancies are open to everyone!

We will examine your application as soon as the closing date has passed. If your application is short-listed, we will contact you for recruitment interviews during which you will have the opportunity to talk with the recruitment and HR departments as well as a cross-functional department.

Position location

Job location

France, Centre-Val de Loire, Loiret (45)

Location