PhD position in microbial sulfide electrolysis

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INRAE presentation

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) is a major player in research and innovation. It is a community of 12,000 people with 272 research, experimental research, and support units located in 18 regional centres throughout France. Internationally, INRAE is among the top research organisations in the agricultural and food sciences, plant and animal sciences, as well as in ecology and environmental science. It is the world’s leading research organisation specialising in agriculture, food and the environment. INRAE’s goal is to be a key player in the transitions necessary to address major global challenges. Faced with a growing world population, climate change, resource scarcity, and declining biodiversity, the Institute has a major role to play in building solutions and supporting the necessary acceleration of agricultural, food and environmental transitions.

Work environment, missions and activities

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES), described as electrochemical reactors whereby oxidation and reduction reactions are catalyzed biologically at the respective electrodes, have emerged as a potentially more energy efficient and more sustainable way of treating domestic wastewater, while simultaneously recovering electricity (microbial fuel cells) or chemicals (microbial electrolysis). In this project we depart from the standard domestic wastewater microbial electrolysis concept, which often limits power production and resource recovery. Instead, we explore niche applications for microbial electrolysis focusing on sulfur metabolism and specifically, extremophiles, targeting the treatment of sulfur-containing waste streams while recovering valuable resources. To achieve this goal we aim to study sulfide oxidation within bioelectrochemical systems, by employing a multidisciplinary kit that includes biogeochemistry, electrochemistry and molecular biology.  This will enable us to differentiate between abiotic and biotic processes in sulfur removal and to assess the potential applications of this technology.

¡ You will be more particularly in charge of:

• Establishing and managing microbial enrichments

• Setting up and running bioelectrochemical reactors

• Assisting in the development of chemical and biogeochemical analytical methods

• Conducting sampling and preparing samples for chemical and molecular analyses

• Performing statistical and bioinformatics analyses of data

• Contributing to the dissemination of research findings by preparing reports and scientific papers, as well as participating in scientific conference

Training and skills

To achieve all the above we are looking for someone highly motivated with a keen interest in bioprocesses, holding a Master’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, Environmental Sciences or another discipline with a relevant specialization. The ability to work independently, a collaborative spirit, critically analyzing one’s own work and fluency in oral and written English are expected.  Practical experience in bioelectrochemical systems, microbes cultivation, stable isotope analysis, or coding in R is a plus. 

INRAE's life quality

By joining our teams, you benefit from (depending on the type of contract and its duration):

- up to 30 days of annual leave + 15 days "Reduction of Working Time" (for a full time);
- parenting support: CESU childcare, leisure services;
- skills development systems: training, career advise;
- social support: advice and listening, social assistance and loans;
- holiday and leisure services: holiday vouchers, accommodation at preferential rates;
- sports and cultural activities;
- collective catering.

How to apply

I send my CV and my motivation letter