Postdoctoral Position (M/F) at the Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology in Aix-Marseille

Descrizione

Postdoctoral Position (M/F) at the Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology in Aix-Marseille Sintesi in italiano (traduzione automatica): L'Istituto di Bioscienze e Biotecnologie di Aix-Marseille cerca un Ricercatore post-dottorale per un progetto internazionale sul processo di precipitazione di carbonato indotto da microrganismi (MICP). La posizione è situata a Cadarache, Francia, e il candidato selezionato lavorerà all'interno del team di Microbiologia Molecolare e Ambientale. Le principali mansioni includono la coltivazione di batteri, la preparazione di dispositivi microfluidici e l'analisi dei prodotti minerali MICP. È richiesta una laurea in Biotecnologie o un campo correlato, oltre a competenze in microbiologia e tecniche di laboratorio. Il progetto prevede anche misurazioni presso strutture di radiazione di sincrotrone e collaborazioni con gruppi di ricerca internazionali. Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a biogeochemical process involving the precipitation of carbonate crystals in the local environment of metabolically active microorganisms [Hoffmann et al. Microbiology 2021]. Several metabolic pathways can induce carbonate mineral precipitation in microorganisms; one such example is the enzymatic hydrolysis of urea, which ultimately produces ammonium and carbonate ions and creates conditions favourable for calcium carbonate crystal formation. Extensive precipitation of carbonate minerals in the vicinity of microorganisms in soils can promote sediment particle adhesion, thereby reducing porosity and improving material strength. For these reasons, MICP has emerged as a viable and scalable biotechnology for soil and structural material (e.g., concrete, granite) reinforcement, as well as for the remediation of heavy metals. One of the main challenges associated with this technology is the non-uniform distribution of microorganisms and nutrients within heterogeneous porous media (e.g., packed sediment particles), which can result in ineffective crystallization throughout the targeted zone. This project aims to improve the homogeneity of bacteria-induced calcium carbonate precipitation within micro- and millifluidic environments by investigating the influence of select biopolymers and medium formulations on bacterial and nutrient transport. Fluidic layers will be designed to simulate relevant sediment grain packing for MICP studies. Mineral precipitation will be monitored over time under different experimental conditions. The resulting mineral products, prepared from tested MICP formulations at the beaker scale, will be characterized in terms of their structural properties and chemical composition. This research is part of the international project (ANR-DFG) “OPTIMIC” involving French partners Dr. Dorian Davarzani (BRGM) and Dr. Sophie Sablé (La Rochelle University), as well as a German partner. The project will be conducted within the Molecular and Environmental Microbiology (MEM) team at the Bioscience and Biotechnology Institute of Aix-Marseille (BIAM), located in Cadarache, France. The BIAM is a mixed research unit composed of the CNRS, CEA and Aix-Marseille Université (AMU). The postdoctoral researcher will take part and lead interdisciplinary laboratory tasks including bacteria cultivation, microfluidic device preparation and experimentation, imaging and characterization of MICP mineral products. The project will involve measurements at synchrotron radiation facilities and visits to collaborating research groups. Annuncio in inglese. Fonte: Euraxess (Commissione europea).