French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment
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12-month postdoctoral contract: Monitoring of trace metal elements carried by microplastics in a complex matrix French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment in France
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 28, 2026
Country
France
University
French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment
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About this position
INRAE is offering a 12-month full-time postdoctoral contract in France within the Animal Products Quality unit (QuaPA), based at Saint-Genès-Champanelle, to work on the monitoring of trace metal elements carried by microplastics in a complex matrix.
The position is attached to the ANR JCJC VECTOR project, Chemical contaminant vectorization by microplastics during food waste recycling: the case study of insect-based bioconversion (2026–2030). The successful candidate will collaborate with the Micro-contaminants, Aroma and Separative Sciences (MASS) team and the Imaging and Transfers (IT) team, contributing to research at the intersection of analytical chemistry, environmental science, and food/biological sample analysis.
The scientific challenge is to develop an analytical workflow for detecting and monitoring trace metal elements adsorbed onto microplastics in a complex biological matrix. The work addresses a major question in microplastic research: how plastics can transport chemical contaminants through the environment and potentially into living systems. The project will involve producing model microplastics intentionally contaminated with trace metal elements, optimising a robust extraction method for microplastics in complex biological samples, and comparing imaging and mass spectrometry approaches for performance and detection limits.
This postdoc is particularly relevant for researchers with strong experience in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, imaging, microscopy, and data analysis. Prior experience with plastic particles or microplastics will be an advantage. Candidates should be comfortable working independently, have strong organisational skills, and be able to write clear scientific reports and collaborate in a multidisciplinary team. Good English is required.
The appointment is a temporary full-time contract (38h40 per week), with an expected start date of 4 January 2027. Travel to French partner laboratories is expected. Applications should be sent by email to [email protected], with a CV and cover letter, before the deadline of 28 October 2026.
INRAE is a major French public research organisation in agriculture, food, and environmental sciences, and QuaPA is a leading unit for the quality of animal-origin foods. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to a high-profile interdisciplinary project focused on microplastics, contaminant transport, and advanced analytical methods.
Funding details
Available
What's required
PhD or equivalent in chemistry or a closely related field. Desired knowledge includes proficiency in analytical chemistry techniques, particularly mass spectrometry, as well as knowledge of imaging, microscopy and histology. Candidates should have skills in statistics and in the interpretation and processing of scientific data, and be able to analyse, synthesise and write scientific reports. An initial experience in the study and characterisation of plastic particles is appreciated. Good English is required. The role also calls for independence, attention to detail, organisational skills and team spirit, with 1 to 4 years of research experience preferred.
How to apply
Send a cover letter and CV by email to [email protected]. Refer to the postdoctoral contract in the subject line if desired and apply before 28 October 2026.
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