Dévelopement de systèmes galvano-bioélectrochimiques pour l'élimination des nitrates // Development of galvano-bioelectrochemical systems for nitrate removal

23 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Université Grenoble Alpes

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Leading Researcher (R4)
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

France

Application Deadline

20 Jun 2024 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The intensive use of nitrogen-based organic/chemical fertilizers (manure, ammonium sulfate, etc…) is considered today as the primary anthropogenic source of nitrate (NO3 - ) pollution. It has a direct influence on the quality of surface or underground water. As plants are saturated from heavy application of nitrogen inputs, 70 to 90% of residual nitrogen-based fertilizers finish as terrestrial runoff or percolate in deep-waters where it can accumulate in large quantities. Hence, rivers and coastal waters may end up with excess of nitrate promoting rapid algal growth leads to the progressive deoxygenation of the ecosystem (eutrophication). Green tides observed in Brittany (France) since the 1970s are the unfortunate good example of this unregulated algal proliferation.

The project aims to develop self-powered bioelectrochemical systems based on electroactive microorganisms as electrocatalysts for denitrification. The project will target first the oxygen reduction reaction accomplished by electroactive bacteria before moving on the nitrate reduction.  The candidate will work on different axes: (i) the development of oxygen reducing biofilm with inoculum from various habitats (brackish, shallow surface seawater, coastal or deep sediments), (ii) the study of the switch from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism with final electron acceptor (O2 or NO3- -), (iii) determination of the microbial biofilm composition, (iv) the study of denitrification efficiency through controlled electrolysis or thanks to the galvanic process of a sacrificial anode.

The thesis will be conducted mostly at the Departement de Chimie Moléculaire at Université Grenoble Alpes with occasional visit at the partner laboratory (BEEP, Université de Bretagne Occidentale).

Funding category: Financement public/privé
ANR
PHD Country: France

Requirements
Specific Requirements

Le candidat ou la candidate est titulaire d'un Master 2 en chimie analytique, chimie biologique ou dans un domaine connexe. Expérience ou intérêt pour la biotechnologie (électrocatalyse, dépollution). Il ou elle fera preuve d'une forte motivation pour le travail expérimental dans un projet interdisciplinaire, de bonnes compétences en communication écrite et orale en anglais.

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The candidate will have a Master 2 degree in analytical, biological chemistry or a related field. Background/interest in biotechnology (electrocatalysis, remediation). The candidate will show strong motivation for experimental work in an interdisciplinary project, good written and oral communication skills in English.

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Université Grenoble Alpes

Country

France

City

Grenoble

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.abg.asso.fr/fr/candidatOffres/show/id_offre/124055

Contact

Website

https://dcm.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/research/bioelectrochimie-capteurs-lenergie-et-nanomateriaux

STATUS: EXPIRED