Optimisation of Phytotechnologies for Nuclear Site Remediation

French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission

Organisation/Company: French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission

Department: Department of Research on Materials and Physicochemistry

Research Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry, Environmental science » Earth science, Computer science » Modelling tools

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)

Positions: Postdoc Positions

Country: France

Application Deadline: 21 May 2025 - 20:00 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 35

Offer Starting Date: 21 Mar 2025

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The CEA is seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher for a research project on optimising phytotechnologies for remediating contaminated nuclear sites. This research takes place in the risk management and remediation of contaminated soils, particularly those resulting from the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. The aim is to better understand the mobility of contaminants in slightly contaminated soils and to optimise the use of appropriate plants to stabilise these contaminants by developing an advanced mechanistic model of soil-plant transfer.

Activity: The post-doctoral researcher will be involved in two main aspects of the project:

• Modeling and model validation: The post-doctoral researcher will develop a mechanistic model of contaminant transfer that integrates the fluxes of materials between the solid - solution - plant compartments. This model will take into account the characteristics and retention properties of the soil to assess the bioavailability of contaminants, as well as the specific characteristics of radionuclide transporters in plants. Experimental data from existing and future laboratory experiments will be used to develop and optimise this model. It could play a key role in the selection of plant species best suited for phytostabilisation techniques for the remediation of contaminated soils in a variety of physico-chemical contexts.
• Experimental implementation: He/she will be involved in designing and carrying out laboratory experiments to study the transfer of contaminants such as caesium and strontium in lightly contaminated soils. These tests will include the characterisation of soil - solution - plant interactions and the competitive behaviour of contaminants. The project is testing agro-industrial plants such as hemp and Miscanthus for their potential to stabilise contaminants and limit their mobility in the soil. The soil/plant transfer simulations will be compared with these data in order to validate the model developed in the first phase.

Where to apply

E-mail: christelle.latrille@cea.fr

Requirements

Research Field: Environmental science » Earth science

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Research Field: Geosciences » Other

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Research Field: Computer science » Modelling tools

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications:

• A PhD in Environmental Sciences, geochemistry, biogeochemistry or agronomy,
• Skill in mechanistic modeling or coupling of the soil-plant interactions and skill in soil science and/or plant physiology,
• Knowledge of soil and solution analysis and experience in conducting laboratory experiments,
• Skills in data analysis and environmental modeling (such as PHREEQC, HP1 or equivalent),
• Be rigorous and organised, have good team-working skills and strong communication and scientific writing skills, in French and English.

Specific Requirements:

Interested candidates are invited to send a detailed CV, a covering letter explaining their interest in the project and the contact details of 2 people who would be willing to provide a letter of reference; all to be sent by email to christelle.latrille@cea.fr and nathalie.leonhardt@cea.fr.

Languages:

ENGLISH Level: Good

FRENCH Level: Basic

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: CEA/Laboratory for the Measurement and Modeling of Radionuclide Migration

Country: France

City: Gif sur Yvette

Postal Code: 91191

Company/Institute: CEA/Laboratory of Plant Environmental Physiology et Stress Signaling

Country: France

City: Cadarache

Postal Code: 13108