General areas of responsibility
Within the Geo-Ocean Research Unit (https://www.geo-ocean.fr/), the Biogeochemical Cycles and Resources (CYBER) team is interested in the exchange of matter and energy between the oceanic lithosphere and the hydrosphere. Research activities on these different envelopes and their interfaces are carried out via geological, geochemical, and numerical approaches in order to understand the fluxes and transfer mechanisms from the deep subseafloor to up to the open ocean, and the formation of potential deep-sea resources (e.g. mineral resources, natural hydrogen). The team is also interested in the study of biogeochemical cycles of the deep ocean and the ancient Earth (e.g. metal cycles, CO2, methane). The team integrates a transversal technical component in the fields of in situ and ex situ physicochemical measurements, and the development of new biogeochemical tracers (proxies) in the water column, fluids, sediments and rocks.
Summary
This PhD work focuses on the sources and redox cycling of Selenium (Se), a bioessential yet potentially toxic metalloid in marine environment. Guided by recent advances in Se isotope geochemistry and new mass spectrometry technology soon available at the Pôle de Spéctrométrie Océan in Brest, this project will apply innovative approaches to investigate the transformation of Se species in seafloor hydrothermal systems, from their input from circulating seawater and the generation of high- to low-temperature venting, to their precipitation in sulfide deposits and export in the water column. The originality of the approach involves extensive analytical development to unlock Se isotope signatures of inorganic Se species in seawater and hydrothermal fluids, including Se(-II), Se(IV) and Se(VI) species. The project will first tackle the main processes affecting Se enrichment and isotope composition of high-temperature hydrothermal fluids and associated mineral deposits. It will then address the fundamental question if seafloor hydrothermal systems represent a net sink or source of Se species in the deep ocean. The thesis work will benefit from state-of-the-art analytical infrastructure available at Geo-Ocean Laboratory, and will rely on high quality samples from recent and future Ifremer-led research cruises carried out along the mid-Atlantic ridge, located in the exploration license area obtained by Ifremer from the International Seabed Authority.
Key words
geochemistry, mineral resources, chemical speciation, stable isotopes, selenium, biogeochemical cycles, seafloor hydrothermal systems
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
- Master’s degree in marine geosciences, marine chemistry, Earth sciences, geology/environmental engineer.
- Skill in geochemical analysis techniques and if possible for ICP-MS techniques
- Experience working in a clean room for the study of trace elements
- Desired knowledge in metal and/or metalloid geochemistry and stable isotope geochemistry
- Writing, synthesis and communication skills
- Strong interest in the development of analytical methods
- Practice of scientific English
Personal skills :
- Rigor and sense of organization
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
- Curiosity, autonomy, open-mindedness, initiative
Specific working conditions
Laboratory work will mainly be carried out in a clean room with controlled atmosphere environment which will require alternating standing and sitting postures during the day. A certain amount of noise pollution must be able to be tolerated by the candidate. It also requires the handling of mineral acids under fume hoods and laminar flow hoods
- Possibility to join oceanographic cruise
- Possibility for short-term work in a foreign laboratory
Phd is a real opportunity to work on Ifremer’s scientific and technological priority themes. It entitle the holder to a gross monthly salary of 2300 euros gross for a period of 3 years, which cannot be combined with other scholarships.
How to apply for this position
Your application file must include:
- a curriculum vitae
- a covering letter
- a reference letter
- an academic transcript (Bachelor + Master 1 and first semester Master 2)
Your application must be compiled into 2 PDF files, up to 3 MB for each file.
The deadline for applications is April 15th, 2024. Nevertheless, we strongly urge you to let us know as soon as possible of your intention to apply, by contacting the subject supervisor: olivier.rouxel@ifremer.fr
Doctoral students’ contracts will start as of October 1st, 2024, subject to the submission of administrative documents authorizing Ifremer to recruit the doctoral student (certificate of completion of the Master 2 or engineering degree + visa for foreign doctoral students outside the EU).
The Institute and the recruiting departement
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.
Founded in 1984, IFREMER is a French public organization and its budget approximates 240 million euros. It is operating under the joint authority of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the french Ministry of the Sea, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Deadline for applications: 15/04/2024
All applications are processed exclusively via our website. Interested candidates can apply by clicking the “Apply” button.
For more information about the opportunity click here.