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.

General areas of responsibility

Detection, Sensors and Measurements (DCM) laboratory is in charge of the development of new technologies (chemical sensors, biosensors, optical sensors, etc.) in relation to the activities of all Ifremer’s departments and external companies.

One of the laboratory’s themes concerns the measurement systems for marine and underwater environments and new chemical and physical analysis techniques that can be transposed to the marine environment. Among these, the development and optimisation of analytical methods for the characterisation of microplastics are a main research axis of the laboratory and are directly related to the proposed position.

Pollution by plastic microparticles (MP) has become a major scientific and societal issue with both environmental and human health consequences. The need to characterise and monitor this pollution requires methods to count and identify MP in different matrices in order to better understand its extent. Currently, these studies remain laborious and time-consuming to implement due to the absence of automated analysis process. In addition, the multiplication of sample handling is a potential source of contamination. The MARDI project, led by the LDCM, aims to develop an innovative method for handling and analysing MP smaller than 100 μm in flow. The project will rely on the kwonledges in MP characterisation and on the skills developed by the project partners in microfabrication, dielectrophoresis and Raman micro-spectroscopy Recruited on the MARDI project (PNREST Anses, ANSES-22-EST-077).The main objective of the post-doctoral fellow will be the development and implementation of a fluidic module allowing the sorting and focusing of microplastics in specific areas by dielectrophoresis (DEP).. He/she will work directly with the LDCM researchers involved in the MARDI project and with the project partners (ITODYS and Institut Fresnel). The contract will be carried out within the Research and Technological Development Unit, under the responsibility of the head of the Detection, Sensors and Measurements Laboratory.

General areas of responsibility

The main objective of the post-doctoral position is the development and implementation of a dielectrophoresis modules (DEP) allowing the sorting and focusing of microplastics in specific areas of the chips. He/she will work on the characterization of dielectrophoretic fields on various type of microplastics (polymers, shapes; size,…) and on the coupling with Raman spectrometer. The position is to be filled at DCM laboratory at Ifremer, Brest, in relation with the ITODYS laboratory, Paris (Printec printing platform). He/she will take part in scientific monitoring meetings and in writing activity reports;; as well as in the supervision of trainees if necessary.

Principal activities

  • Development of dielectrophoresis chips (DEP)
  • Coupling between dielectrophoresis and Raman micro-spectrometer
  • Design of experimental plan
  • Scientific results interpretation, scientific reports and articles
  • Project meeting: participation and presentation

Collaborative work environment

  • Internal collaborative relationship: DCM team (microfluidic engineer, chemiometric expert, spectroscopic researcher), SIIM laboratory
  • External collaborative relationship: Fresnel Institut (MOSAIC lab), ITODYS (Printec platform)

Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics

  • PhD in physic-chemistry specialised in electrochemistry. Experience in dielectrophoresis will be highly appreciated.
  • Skills in analytical techniques (Raman), imaging (optical microscopy, fluorescence), and/or 3D design (design and 3D printing) will be a plus.

Required knowledge, skills and characteristics 

Knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Physic-chemistry/analytical chemistry
  • Electrochemistry
  • 3D printing
  • Data processing (ImageJ, Origin, R studio software, Microsoft office)
  • Knowledge in French will be appreciate

Human qualities

  • Interest of R &D and instrumentation
  • Team work capabilities
  • Interdisciplinary interest
  • Communication skills

Specific working conditions

  • Full time,
  • contract: 1 year.

Deadline for applications: 24/03/2023

Further information can be found in here.