Are you passionate about environmental science, climate change, and radioecology? The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is offering a fully funded PhD position in Earth and Environmental Sciences. This prestigious doctoral opportunity is hosted at Subatech and LPG laboratories, known for their cutting-edge facilities in plant cultivation, radiochemistry, and microbiology.
📘 PhD Research Topic:
Impact of Climate on Radionuclide Transfer to Plants
With rising global temperatures, it’s essential to understand how radioactive and chemical pollutants behave in terrestrial ecosystems. This PhD project investigates how climate change affects radionuclide transfer from soil to plants, focusing on two contrasting climatic zones:
- Temperate/humid climates (e.g., Europe)
- Hot/dry climates (e.g., UAE)
A unique aspect of this research is the inclusion of soil microbial communities in radionuclide uptake analysis—providing a comprehensive understanding of pollutant dynamics under climate stress.
🎯 Key Research Objectives
- Analyze radionuclide transfer mechanisms between soil and plants under different climate scenarios
- Investigate the influence of rhizospheric microbial communities on pollutant uptake
- Develop predictive environmental models to forecast pollutant behavior due to climate change
🧪 Methodology & Experimental Setup
The PhD research will employ state-of-the-art methods, including:
- Nucleated phytotron experiments for climate simulation (Subatech lab)
- Hydroponic systems to study radionuclide bioavailability
- Soil/sand pot trials for real-world transfer simulations across diverse soil and climate types
- Use of radionuclide analogues in non-nuclearized phytotrons (LPG lab)
✅ Candidate Profile: Eligibility & Skills
Essential Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or related fields
- Solid understanding of life and earth sciences
- Hands-on experience with phytotron-based plant growth systems
- Knowledge of pollutant tracing techniques and research valorization
- Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written)
- Demonstrated organizational skills, autonomy, and scientific rigor
Preferred Expertise (Bonus Skills):
- Background in radiochemistry and/or microbiology
- Familiarity with radioecology, soil science, or plant-microbe interactions
👨🏫 Research Supervision Team
You’ll work under the guidance of an experienced academic team:
- Prof. A. Abdelouas – IMT Atlantique
- Prof. T. Lebeau – Nantes Université
- Dr. O. Péron – Nantes Université
Support and training will be provided by both Subatech and LPG laboratories.
📅 Application Deadline:
May 9, 2025 – 23:59 (UTC)
📄 Application Checklist
Prepare the following documents for your application:
- Updated CV
- Motivational cover letter detailing your research interests and relevant experience
📥 How to Apply
Apply directly through the CNRS application portal: