Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Engineer in Biomineralization

MICP is a biogeochemical process by which metabolically active microorganisms induce the precipitation of carbonate minerals, primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), in their immediate environment. This precipitation results from microbial metabolic reactions such as urea hydrolysis, which locally modify the pH and chemistry of the medium, promoting carbonate crystallization. The formation of CaCO₃ can lead to grain cementation, reduced porosity, and an increase in the mechanical properties of materials. Thanks to these properties, micro-hydrochemical permeability-based ionization (MHI) is now a promising, sustainable, and minimally invasive approach for applications such as the rehabilitation of old wells, soil stabilization, permeability reduction, and the protection of groundwater resources. However, the effectiveness of MHI remains significantly limited by the difficulty in controlling the distribution of bacteria and reagents in naturally heterogeneous porous media.

The OPTIMIC project aims to overcome this scientific hurdle by evaluating the contribution of biopolymers to improve the transport of bacteria and nutrients, limit preferential flow, and better control the location and morphology of carbonate precipitates. The project is based on an integrated approach combining microbiology, geosciences, materials chemistry, and numerical modeling, in collaboration with national and international partners (two French partners, BRGM (Orléans) and BIAM (Aix-Marseille University), and one German partner).
Work Environment:

The position will be based at La Rochelle University, within the LIENSs laboratory (BCBS team: https://lienss.univ-larochelle.fr/BCBS-Biotechnologies-and-Chemistry-applied-to-Bioresources-for-Health), in close collaboration with the LaSIE laboratory (TDVM team: https://lasie-prod.univ-larochelle.fr/equipes-recherche/transferts-degradation-et-valorisation-des-materiaux/). These two units are recognized for their work on microbial biocalcification, marine and coastal environments, and granular materials. The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative scientific environment (the two teams have been collaborating for over 15 years). Occasional travel to partner laboratories in France and internationally will be required.
Description of Scientific Missions

The candidate will contribute to the study of individual bacterial mechanisms involved in MICP and the characterization of biomineralization products.

They will participate in the selection, isolation, and characterization of biocalcifying bacterial strains from natural environments (soils, cements, rocks) and existing collections. The growth, survival, and biomineralization capacities of these microorganisms will be studied under conditions representative of application environments, including variations in pH and viscosity, as well as modified atmospheres.

Particular attention will be paid to the interactions between bacteria and biopolymers, both in terms of biological compatibility and their impact on the kinetics, localization, and morphology of carbonate precipitation. The postdoctoral researcher will also study the capacity of the developed MICP systems to consolidate granular substrates (sands and fine soils) in suitable experimental setups. The postdoctoral researcher will implement thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), total and inorganic carbon measurements, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman microspectroscopy techniques to characterize the nature of the formed mineral phases, their morphology, and the interactions at the bacteria-biopolymer-substrate interfaces. Depending on the results, they may also contribute to advanced characterization campaigns in collaboration with project partners.

The postdoctoral researcher will also participate in the analysis and dissemination of results, the writing of international scientific publications, and the presentation of findings at conferences. Involvement in the operational management of the ANR OPTIMIC project at La Rochelle University will be highly valued, particularly for coordinating local scientific activities and monitoring deliverables. As the position is part of a strong collaborative dynamic, the postdoctoral researcher will ensure regular exchanges with the numerical modeling teams, in order to feed and interpret the multi-scale simulations of the project.

Key qualifications include:

strong skills in microbiology and/or biomineralization, as well as proven experience in bacterial culture and laboratory experimentation. Knowledge of MICP processes or microorganism/mineral interactions would be an asset.

Experience in materials or biomaterial characterization is desirable.

An interest in biopolymers, porous media, and environmental or geotechnical applications is essential.

Scientific rigor, a proven ability to work independently, and the capacity to effectively manage scientific and industrial projects in an interdisciplinary environment are expected.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to actively contribute scientific expertise and ideas, are required.

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.

: Category A

Assignment: Littoral Environment and Societies Laboratory (LIENSs) UMR 7266

Type: 24-month fixed-term contract starting September 1, 2026.

If the candidate has obtained their doctorate within the last three years, a postdoctoral contract may be offered. Beyond three years, an equivalent contract will be offered, similar to that of a research engineer.

Working hours: Full-time

Salary: Between €2,569 and €2,800 gross per month, depending on profile and experience, and in accordance with the La Rochelle University charter for the management of contract staff.

Recruitment open to all individuals with a disability status (RQTH).

Benefits

: 75% reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting;
Sustainable mobility allowance for cycling/carpooling for commuting;
Health insurance contribution;
On-campus cafeteria;
Sports, leisure, and cultural opportunities for all staff.

Contact for information on the recruitment process:

Marie de Chalendar, HR Officer for Research, LUDI Institute – marie.de_chalendar@univ-lr.fr.
Contact for information on the position:

Sophie SABLE – Lecturer-Researcher – LIENSs – sophie.sable@univ-lr.fr;
Marc JEANNIN – Lecturer-Researcher – LaSIE – marc.jeannin@univ-lr.fr.

How to apply?

Your application must include:

a cover letter explaining your suitability for the project;
a detailed curriculum vitae and list of publications;
a copy of your highest diploma
; a thesis abstract (1 page max.);
and letters of recommendation and/or contact information for two references.

This application must be submitted as a single file before April 12, 2026, via the dedicated application accessible by clicking here (Job Reference: RECH/LIENSs/26-03).

Please note: This position is in a sector related to the protection of scientific and technical potential and therefore requires, in accordance with regulations, that the arrival of the recruited candidate be authorized by the competent authority of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESR).

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS OR APPLICATIONS SENT BY EMAIL WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Application deadline: April 12, 2026.
Start date: September 1, 2026.