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Postdoctoral Researcher on Marine Environmental Chemistry M - F H/F
Ifremer
Nantes, France
Posted on May 27, 2026
Les missions du poste
Deadline for appyling : 23/06/2026
Who are we ?
About the host structure
Within IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea), an internationally recognized leader in marine scientific research, the Chemical Contamination of Marine Ecosystems Unit (CCEM) conducts research to characterize the oceanic chemical exposome and its impact on marine species. Its objectives are:
- Improving understanding of the dynamics of chemical contaminants in the marine environment
- Investigating their sources and transfer into and within marine organisms
- Assessing their biological effects
- Providing evaluations of marine environmental quality
CCEM is involved in several French and international projects and has recognized expertise in studying the sources, fate, and effects of hydrophobic organic contaminants, supported by state-of-the-art analytical and preparative laboratories.
The research unit PHYTOX (Physiology and Toxins of Toxic and Harmful Microalgae) focuses on improving knowledge of the physiology of toxic and harmful microalgae (mainly cyanobacteria, diatoms, dinoflagellates, and haptophytes), as well as the diversity, role, and fate of the toxins they produce.
Within PHYTOX, the METALG laboratory studies algal metabolites, their biotransformations and diversity, as well as their transfer and effects within coastal marine ecosystems.
Position overview
The research activity will be carried out within the framework of the COCEMA project (Emerging Chemical Contamination in Martinique).
This project addresses the broader challenge of improving knowledge on contamination of coastal marine environments by emerging substances. It aims to characterize contamination of Martinique coastal waters by:
1. Emerging microalgal toxins
2. Emerging chemical substances in marine environments
As part of your research activities, you will work in both research units:
- 6 months at PHYTOX
- 12 months at CCEM
You will report administratively to the heads of both units and scientifically to laboratory researchers.
What will be your missions ?
Your role will consist of:
- Implementing existing analytical methods for the analysis of algal toxins from passive sampler extracts
- Developing analytical methods for emerging chemical contaminants in shellfish and applying them to field samples
- Interpreting and presenting results in a concise and structured manner
- Writing scientific publications
Note: All samples will be available at project start.
What will be your main activities ?
You will develop your research activities along two main axes:
1. Detection and Quantification of Lipophilic Microalgal Toxins
Using extracts from passive samplers (SPATT type), you will:
- Detect and quantify lipophilic toxins
- Use non-targeted analysis with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS, QTOF)
- Process HRMS data using database screening strategies
- Implement automated dereplication methods
These activities will contribute to understanding risks associated with toxic microalgae in Martinique.
2. Development of Analytical Methods for Emerging Chemical Contaminants
You will work on quantitative detection of emerging contaminants in filter-feeding shellfish from mangroves along the Martinique coast.
Tasks include:
- Method development (extraction, purification, detection)
- Method validation
- Application to field samples
Available equipment includes laboratories under controlled contamination conditions with advanced instrumentation:
- GC-MS/MS
- GC-HRMS
- GC-TOF HRMS
Target contaminant families will be selected based on first team results, particularly from non-targeted analyses. UV filters will be specifically investigated. Results will complement studies on regulated and emerging contaminants from the same samples
Le profil recherché
Who are you ?
PhD in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, or marine sciences
Technical Skills
- Analysis of organic compounds (extraction, purification, chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry)
- Data analysis and dereplication methods
- Presentation of results to project partners (presentations, reports) and scientific audiences (conferences, scientific papers)
Personal Qualities
- Enjoyment of laboratory work
- Interest in marine pollution research
- Scientific curiosity
- Critical thinking
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Good level of English
Bienvenue chez Ifremer
Rejoignez l'Ifremer pour un océan mieux compris, mieux protégé qui demeure un allié du bien-vivre sur la planète
Des abysses à la surface, de la côte au large, l'Ifremer est l'institut de recherche français entièrement dédié à l'Océan. Ses équipes mènent des recherches, innovent et produisent des expertises pour protéger l'océan, exploiter ses ressources de manière responsable et partager les données marines.
L'Ifremer apporte son expertise scientifique pour éclairer les politiques publiques et élabore des solutions puisées dans l'océan pour répondre aux enjeux de la transition écologique. Opérateur de la Flotte océanographique française avec sa filiale d'armement Genavir, l'Ifremer imagine, conçoit et déploie des moyens technologiques de pointe pour percer les mystères de l'océan.
Rejoignez nos équipes, composées de 1500 scientifiques et métiers supports à la recherche, et présentes sur tout le littoral métropolitain et en Outre-mer.
www.ifremer.fr
Infos complémentaires
Professionnal interactions
Internal
- CCEM: Research engineers and laboratory technicians (organic contaminants)
- BIODIVENV: Researchers and technicians
- PHYTOX: Researchers, engineers, technicians from METALG, and interactions with unit teams
External
- International collaborators of the involved teams
Working conditions
- Access to specialized controlled-atmosphere laboratories for trace organic contaminant analysis
- Full instrumentation required for project success
- Supervision by qualified technical and scientific staff
- Opportunities to participate in international conferences
- Final presentation of results to partners in Martinique
How to apply ?
Please send your CV and motivation letter in one single pdf document.
What are our benefits ?
We have a teleworking agreement (after 6 months of service) and our employees benefit from 12 additional days off (RTT) and extra vacation days.
We dedicate a significant budget to skills development, through individual and group initiatives.
We are committed to a CSR policy inspired by the institute's mission (sustainable mobility allowance, etc.).
Publiée le 26/05/2026 - Réf : 4095081/28944101 2026-1877/1