PRR Project

Summary

Job Description: The Principal Researcher in Environmental Chemistry at CESAM, with a focus on emergent contaminants, particularly microplastics, in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, plays a pivotal role. The responsibilities encompass leading cutting-edge research projects to assess and mitigate these contaminants, understanding their fate and behavior, and developing innovative solutions for plastic waste remediation, emphasizing microbial community-based approaches. This position is crucial within CESAM´s Research Cluster 5 (RC5) - focusing on environmental monitoring and health risk assessment, and Research Line 2 (RL2) - emphasizing environmental management, pollution, and modeling. Scientific Profile: The ideal candidate should possess profound expertise in Environmental Chemistry, with a specialization in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, and a focus on emergent pollutants like microplastics. This role demands an interdisciplinary approach, merging scientific proficiency with effective communication skills. The researcher is expected to have a distinguished track record in securing significant research projects, leading them effectively, and contributing meaningfully to environmental policies. This aligns seamlessly with CESAM´s mission to confront climate change and address pressing environmental challenges. Hiring Rationale: The candidate’s deep understanding of emergent contaminants, especially microplastics, directly complements CESAM´s strategic directions under RC5 and RL2. Their capacity to innovate in assessment methodologies and develop bio-based mitigation strategies will critically bolster CESAM’s research objectives, targeting key environmental challenges. The position is integral to CESAM´s ethos of fostering multidisciplinary research excellence and has the potential to catalyze breakthroughs in comprehending and managing microplastic pollution. The candidate´s leadership in research and academia will enhance CESAM’s standing as a leader in environmental science. State-of-the-Art Relevance and Global Policies: The role is highly pertinent to current priorities on environmental sustainability and pollution control set by EU, OECD, UN, ECHA, and EFSA. The European Union´s initiatives on reducing microplastic pollution within the framework of the Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, the United Nations´ focus on sustainable resource management under its Sustainable Development Goals, and the OECD´s strategies for sustainable plastics management converge with the responsibilities of this position. The researcher’s contributions will align with and propel these global efforts, harmonizing with contemporary strategies on environmental contaminants. Contribution to CESAM and Global Environmental Goals: The researcher will be instrumental in devising new analytical methods and modeling techniques, advancing RC5 and RL2´s objectives. Their work will not only augment CESAM´s research prowess but also support global and European endeavors to combat environmental pollution, particularly microplastics. This aligns with cutting-edge developments in environmental and analytical chemistry. Expanded Responsibilities and Impact: The Principal Researcher will proactively engage in collaborations within CESAM and with external partners, spearheading innovative approaches to environmental monitoring and pollution management. They will play a crucial role in developing novel methodologies for pollutant detection and assessment, enhancing RC5´s goal of improving real-time monitoring and risk identification. This also contributes to RL2 by incorporating advanced modeling techniques to bolster environment management and foster evidence-based decision-making. Contribution to Policy and Education: Beyond research, the candidate will make significant contributions to policy formulation and educational initiatives. Their involvement in preparing policy reports and publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts will reinforce CESAM’s influence on environmental policies and practices. The candidate will also be pivotal in nurturing the next generation of environmental scientists, supervising students and postdoctoral researchers, and promoting an atmosphere of academic excellence and innovation??.