A pioneer in ocean science, IFREMER’s cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development and open science.
Our vision is to advance science, expertise and innovation to:
- Protect and restore the ocean
- Sustainably use marine resources to benefit society
- Create and share ocean data, information & knowledge
With more than 1,500 personnel spread along the French coastline in more than 20 sites, the Institute explores the 3 great oceans: the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A leader in ocean science, IFREMER is managing the French Oceanographic Fleet and its dedicated scientists create ground-breaking technology to push the boundaries of ocean exploration and knowledge, from the abyss to the atmosphere-ocean interface.
Well-established in the international scientific community, our scientists, engineers and technicians are committed to advance knowledge about our planet’s last unexplored frontiers. They provide the science we need for informed decision-making and public policy and they transfer this knowledge and technology to businesses to fulfill public and private needs. Core to our mission is also to strengthen public awareness about the importance of understanding the ocean and its resources, and empowering future generations of leaders through education and outreach national campaigns.
Founded in 1984, IFREMER is a French public organization and its budget approximates 240 million euros. It is operating under the joint authority of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the french Ministry of the Sea, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
General areas of responsibility
The objectives of the Microbiology, Food, Health, Environment (MASAE) unit are to study the diversity and evolution of microorganisms present in the marine environment and in foods of marine origin in order to understand their effects on the quality /microbiological safety of products derived from it. The unit has a strong involvement in the impact of human activities on the microbial flora of the coast and around health through its work on the safety of food and its production environment, as well as by the valorization of marine microorganisms and their molecules for health and wellness products.
The Health, Environment and Microbiology Laboratory (LSEM) develops research activities related to microbial human pathogens (mainly viruses and bacteria) in the marine environment and shellfish, to understand the mechanisms of transfer, persistence, or emergence within the coastal environment. The original and innovative research carried out at LSEM, lies at the interface between human health and the microbiological quality of the coastal environment. Indeed, it is based on our reference actions (LSEM is the National Reference Laboratory for shellfish microbiology), knowledge of the sanitary quality of the coast (LSEM coordinates the Microbiological Monitoring of shellfish and sanitary studies) and expertise with the competent national or European authorities.
Placed under the hierarchical responsibility of the head of LSEM, she/he will be in charge of the development and deployment of research activities in sanitary bacteriology. She/he will develop her/his research on the mechanisms of pathogenicity of bacteria release by anthropogenic activities or some marine bacteria (vibrios). These research actions will be carried out within the scientific axes of the MASAE unit, such as the one on the impact of microorganisms on the quality and health safety of seafood products, and more specifically on the genetic and phenotypic determinants of bacteria involved in pathogenicity and alteration. These research actions will be carried out within the LSEM laboratory, in partnership with the other members of the unit, the institute, but also with national (in particular CNRs in charge of enteric bacteria) or international collaborators.
She/he will be in charge of developing research projects on bacterial pathogenicity factors influencing the sanitary quality of the coastal area and shellfish. These bacteria most often come from the catchment area (discharge from humans, farm animals or wildlife…) but can also be of marine origin (such as vibrios). The research work will focus on the analysis of the characteristics of pathogenic bacterial strains and the identification of genes linked to pathogenic mechanisms, such as virulence, pathogenicity or antibiotics resistance genes, in the context of human use of the coastline (leisure or shellfish production). In connection with the work developed by the team on the analysis of microbial flora (bacteria and viruses), she/he will contribute to identifying microbiome factors favoring the emergence of bacterial strains pathogenic for humans in a one-health approach. This research activity will contribute to the expertise of the team as National Reference Laboratory. This work will have a strong impact in the research projects of the MASAE unit relating to the understanding of virulence mechanisms and the establishment of barrier flora.
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
- PhD in Microbiology with post-doctoral experience, abroad expected,
- Experience in projects related to the Human health and food or environment.
- Classical and clinical bacteriology, mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity, work in BLS2 conditions,
- Microbial diversity analysis,
- Basic knowledge in public health
- Project management, experience in student management
- Ability to write reports, publications
- Fluency in English (oral and written)
Application deadline: April 18, 2022
Location: Nantes, Pays de la Loire, France
