Postdoctoral In Electrochemistry Development Of a Biosensor For Pathogen Monitoring M - F H/F - Ifremer

Join Ifremer, an ally of planetary well-being, to gain a better understanding of and better protection for the ocean.

From the abyss to the surface, from the coast to the open SEA, Ifremer is the French research institute that is wholly dedicated to the Ocean. Its teams carry out research, innovate and produce expert reports to protect the ocean, exploit its resources in a responsible manner and shares marine data.

Ifremer contributes its scientific expertise to throw light on public policies and develops solutions drawn from the ocean to meet the challenges of the ecological transition. Ifremer is the operator of France's oceanographic fleet with its shipbuilding subsidiary Genavir, and imagines, designs and deploys leading edge technological means to solve the ocean's mysteries.

Join our teams, made up of 1500 scientists and research support staff, present all along the coastal areas of France and French overseas territories.

www.ifremer.frApplication deadline : 23/03/2026

Who are we?
The Detection, Sensors and Measurements (DCM) laboratory is responsible for conducting the research necessary for the development of new technologies (chemical sensors, biosensors, optical sensors, etc.) in conjunction with the activities of all Ifremer departments and external companies, as appropriate.

The laboratory seeks to improve understanding of phenomena at the interface between materials and the marine environment and to develop systems for measuring marine and underwater environments.

The contract will be carried out within the Research and Technological Development Unit, under the responsibility of the Head of the Detection, Sensors and Measurements Laboratory.

The position offered is linked to the SEREMAQ partnership research project for the development of an electrochemical biosensor for the identification of pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Recent incidents of biological contamination of surface water (faecal coliforms (E. coli), norovirus), often following extreme rainfall and uncontrolled sewage spills, pose a growing threat to coastal ecosystems, public health and the French shellfish industry. Regulatory monitoring networks, in particular the microbiological control network (REMI), rely on robust reference methods but involve cumbersome logistics chains and response times that are incompatible with real-time operational management of microbiological risks.

In this context, the SEREMAQ project aims to develop an innovative, rapid (< 1 hour), low-cost and low-carbon footprint measurement chain, enabling direct multi-target quantification of bacterial and viral contaminants directly in the field.

This project brings together leading academic and technological players: Grapheal, Ifremer (LER-LR Sète, LSEM Nantes, RDT/DCM Brest) and CEA-LETI.

What will your mission BE?

- Contribute to the scientific and methodological development of the field measurement chain (preconcentration, detection, validation),

- Participate in defining relevant microbiological targets (indicator bacteria and pathogens),

- Evaluate the analytical performance of the system (sensitivity, specificity, robustness in saline environments),

- Ensure the scientific validation of the results obtained by comparison with conventional reference methods.

What will your activities BE?

- Développer en partenariat un biocapteur électrochimique à base de graphène, dédié à la reconnaissance d'E. coli et de norovirus (optimisation de la fonctionnalisation, sélection des anticorps et aptamères,...),

- Optimisation de la chaine de mesure (du prélèvement à l'analyse par le capteur),

- Validation du biocapteur et de la chaine de mesure avec des échantillons enrichis et environnementaux,

- Comparer systématiquement les résultats SEREMAQ aux méthodes de référence (REMI, analyses microbiologiques classiques),

- Participer aux campagnes de déploiement sur les sites pilotes (Méditerranée et Bretagne),

- Valoriser les résultats sous forme de rapports, communications scientifiques et publications.

Who will you be working with?

Vous serez principalement hébergé au laboratoire LDCM (Ifremer), basé sur le centre Bretagne à Plouzané, avec de fortes collaborations avec Grapheal (Grenoble), le CEA. Leti (Toulouse), le LSEM (Ifremer, Nantes), le LER-LR (Ifremer, Sète). Des déplacements ponctuels sont à prévoir vers les laboratoires partenaires.

How are your activities organised ?
- Main location: LDCM/Ifremer (Plouzané), with occasional travel possible

- Activity rate: 100%

- 12-month fixed-term contract

Who are you ?

- Holder of a PhD in electrochemistry, chemistry or biotechnology

- PhD must have been obtained less than three years prior to the date of employment

You have the following skills, knowledge and experience:
- Electrochemistry

- Surface modification

- Biochemistry (antibodies, nucleic acids).

- Previous experience in microbiology and biosensor development would be an asset.

You have the following qualities:

- Interest in experimental and interdisciplinary work,

- Ability to work in a team with academic and industrial partners,

- Autonomy, scientific rigour and initiative