Postdoctoral researcher on marine environmental chemistry (M/F)

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 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.). 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