진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Project context

The European Interreg Atlantic Area SMACC+ (Sustainable Microalgae and Cyanobacteria-Based Bioactive Compounds for Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals) project aims to develop bioactive ingredients and biopolymers from microalgae and cyanobacteria for the dermocosmetics and nutraceuticals industries. The objective is to optimise the cultivation of these microorganisms and to valorise all biomass and co-products in a circular biorefinery approach, in order to replace synthetic additives with bio-based, safe, eco-designed and sustainable alternatives.

The European project consortium brings together universities, research centres and SMEs from the Atlantic coast and covers the entire value chain: strain cultivation and optimisation, "green" extraction processes, characterisation of bioactive fractions, formulation of ingredients for cosmetics/nutraceuticals, biological validation and transfer to industry. La Rochelle University coordinates the communication, promotion and transfer component (Work Package 4) and contributes to biological and pharmacological evaluation and formulation activities (WP2–WP3).

The postdoctoral researcher recruited will play a key role in the scientific implementation of the project within LIENSs/BCBS and in the operational (scientific, administrative and financial) monitoring of La Rochelle University's participation in SMACC+.

Job description

1. Scientific research activities

• • Contribute to the development of protocols for the extraction, fractionation and characterisation of bioactive compounds from microalgae and cyanobacteria provided by the project's industrial partners (pigments, polysaccharides, lipids, peptides, biopolymers, etc.) using separation techniques (HPLC/UPLC, possibly CPC/SFC), mass spectrometry and spectroscopy.
• • Assess the dermocosmetic and nutraceutical potential of the extracts and fractions obtained (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, antibacterial/anti-acne tests, etc.) in collaboration with other members of the BCBS team and project partners.
• • Contribute to the development of innovative formulations (e.g. emulsions, hydrogels, encapsulation systems) incorporating bioactive compounds derived from microalgae and cyanobacteria, with a view to sustainability and circularity.
• • Participate in the drafting of scientific articles, conference papers and project deliverables (reports, guidelines, technical data sheets, etc.).

2. Scientific, financial and administrative management of the SMACC+ project

• • Assist with the scientific coordination of SMACC+ activities carried out at LIENSs: task planning, monitoring indicators, preparing internal meetings and meetings with partners.
• • In conjunction with the project manager and La Rochelle University services, ensure day-to-day financial monitoring: preparing quotes, tracking orders, archiving purchase orders and delivery notes, verifying the eligibility of expenses in accordance with Interreg rules.
• • Contribute to the submission of scientific and financial supporting documents on the SIGI platform (activity reports, timesheets, deliverables, expense receipts), ensuring that documents are complete and compliant.
• • Participate in the preparation of interim and final project reports and in exchanges with the Managing Authority, the Joint Secretariat and partners.

3. Promotion, communication and network coordination

• • Present the project results at consortium meetings, workshops, national and international conferences (oral presentations and posters, in English and French in the European Atlantic Arc (Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland). A conference outside the European Atlantic Arc is also planned, as well as the organisation of a workshop in La Rochelle on the theme of innovation in dermocosmetics using microalgae and cyanobacteria molecules.
• • Contribute to communication and outreach activities (contributing to the SMACC+ website (managed by another project partner), social media, newsletters, summer school events, webinars, outreach activities for the general public and children, etc.) in conjunction with WP4 coordinated by La Rochelle University.
• • Participate in the BCBS team and in national and international collaborations in the field of natural products.

Type of recruitment

• • Category: A
• • Assignment: La Rochelle University, UMR CNRS 7266 LIENSs, BCBS team.
• • Place of work: La Rochelle (France). Institut du Littoral et de l'Environnement, rue Olympe de Gouges.
• • Type: 12-month fixed-term contract renewable starting on 1 May 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 those offered to research engineers.

• • Working hours: full-time
• • Travel: occasional travel in France, Europe and outside Europe for SMACC+ project meetings, workshops and conferences.
• • Remuneration: from €2,569.69 gross per month, in accordance with the La Rochelle University contract staff management charter.

Recruitment open to anyone with RQTH status