PhD position to study metal ion incorporation into coccolith materials

Coccolithophore microalgae produce a calcite-based biomineral called the coccolith. These biominerals are biomineralized within a dedicated vesicle, which are then extruded to the surface of the microalgal cell to create a shell [Taylor et al., Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci. 2017]. Coccolith materials have diverse morphologies (shape, size, structural features) that are species dependent. Some general features and properties include nanostructured surfaces and high surface area-to-volume (e.g., nanoporosity). Despite the fact that several coccolithophore species can now be cultured regularly and that gram-scale production of coccoliths is feasible [Jakob et al., Algal Res. 2018], coccolith materials have made little progress as advanced functional materials in bionanotechnologies. This project aims to identify such possibilities by understanding how technologically-relevant metal ions can be incorporated into or onto coccolith materials that can modify or add an optical or physical property apt for application (e.g., photoluminescence, catalytic activity). 

The project will be conducted in the Molecular and Environmental Microbiology (MEM) team at the Bioscience and Biotechnology Institute of Aix-Marseille (BIAM), located in Cadarache, France. The student will take part in interdisciplinary laboratory tasks including microalgae cultivation, biomaterial purification, mass spectrometry and X-ray/electron/laser-scanning microscopy techniques. The project will involve measurements at synchrotron radiation facilities within France and in Europe with visits to collaborating laboratories within France.

The candidate must have a Master 2 (or equivalent) in physical chemistry, biological sciences, materials science or analytical sciences with an interest in working with biological systems and biomaterials. Previous training in one or several of the following will be an asset to the project: optical/electron microscopy, optical/atomic spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, (bio-)materials characterization, catalytic chemistry.

To apply: Please send your CV, a letter of motivation and two references to Daniel Chevrier (daniel.chevrier@cea.fr).