Postdoc in geochemistry and paleoecology M/F

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A research organization in France is seeking a First Stage Researcher (R1) to work on a project investigating the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment. The ideal candidate will have expertise in lake sediment geochemistry and palaeoecology. Responsibilities include creating age models for sediment sequences, performing geochemical analyses, and collaborating on research publications. This full-time role offers opportunities for fieldwork and is based in France.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of lake sediment geochemistry, particularly for the analysis of trace elements.
• Knowledge of palaeoecology and palynology is advantageous.
• Experience in scientific publication and dissemination.

Responsabilités

• Create an age model for collected sequences.
• Perform sedimentary geochemical analyses on lake sequences.
• Cross-reference results with microbiology.

Connaissances

Knowledge of lake sediment geochemistry

Knowledge of palaeoecology

Sociability

Autonomy

Formation

In-depth knowledge of isotopic geochemistry methods

Outils

Geochemical analysis tools

Palynological analysis tools

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement Research Field Environmental science Biological sciences Geosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 1 Jan 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 5 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The ERC PaleoMARE project investigates the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. However, the mechanisms underlying the global dissemination of ARGs remain unresolved. The presence of heavy metal resistance genes (HMRGs) alongside ARGs in microbial genomes suggests a connection between them and has led to the hypothesis that metals may co-select for ARGs. This hypothesis is difficult to confirm because current ecosystems are contaminated with both. To address this, the PaleoMARE project integrates geochemical and microbiological approaches to uncover the links between heavy metal pollution and the spread of antimicrobial resistance from pre-industrial times to the present, using palaeoecological archives.

The candidate will have in-depth knowledge of lake sediment geochemistry and, ideally, knowledge of palaeoecology, particularly palynology. Their tasks will include:

1. Creating an age model for the collected sequences and, based on the results, selecting the sequences to be analysed.
2. Collecting and performing the planned sedimentary geochemical analyses (trace elements and metalloids) on the lake sequences. They may participate in pollen analysis if they have the necessary skills.
3. Cross-referencing the results with those of microbiology and participating in the publication of the results.

Geochemistry (and palynology):

• Geochemical analysis of a lacustrine sedimentary sequence
• Palynological analysis of a lacustrine sedimentary sequence
• Age depth model and chronology of lacustrine sediments
• Dissemination of knowledge through scientific publications, seminars, and conferences

The work will be carried out at the Chrono-environment laboratory (UMR 6249/CNRS): possibility of field missions.

• In-depth knowledge of isotopic geochemistry methods and trace metal analysis, with additional skills in palynology.
• Expertise in geochemistry and trace element analysis of lake sediments.
• Interpersonal skills: sociability and autonomy.