Hydroponics and Microbial Systems Researcher

Descrizione del lavoro:

(COMPANY NAME) Computer Science Laboratories ((COMPANY NAME) CSL) is a leading-edge organization that works to create new research areas and paradigms, as well as new technologies and businesses for the common social good. (COMPANY NAME) CSL - Paris is a small research cell that uses the tools of complexity science, data science and artificial intelligence to investigate fundamental issues in different areas such as the understanding and creation of music, language and communication systems, sustainability and the dynamics of innovation and creativity. (COMPANY NAME) CSL - Paris recently celebrated its 25th anniversary!

We are seeking a Researcher or Engineer to contribute to an exciting European project, called Mi-Hy (https://www.mi-hy.eu/), focusing on sustainable agriculture. Mi-Hy is designing a combined hydroponics system with a stack of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) that use bacteria to convert wastewater to generate electricity and provide plants nutrients (including nitrogen and phosphor recycling). Another system component is a Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC) that produces organic molecules of interest from wastewater and electricity.
As part of our team, you will design, develop, and implement the first prototype that will be used to collect detailed data for modelling. The goal is to improve the system efficiency to reach a modular product attractive to professional growers and households. You will interact with an international team of experts in microbiology, plant science, electrochemistry, computer science, and architecture (UK, Spain, Belgium). Mi-Hy is a scientific project, and you will be able to contribute to open-access, scientific publications.

*According to project funds, we can offer an eighteen-month contract with a possible extension of another eighteen months.

You will:

Prototyping
* Construct the Mi-Hy prototype system, in collaboration with the Mi-Hy partners.
* Integrate automation components for calibration, real-time monitoring, and data acquisition (pH, nutrient level, temperature, humidity...).
* Design and implement the automated control of nutrient dosing, irrigation, and environmental adjustments.
* Implement robust monitoring systems to track plant health and growth rates.
* Use various instruments, sensors, and actuators within the hydroponic system.
* Implement the storage of data in a database (MongoDB).

Experiments and modelling
* Macroscopic modelling of the main flows and transformations in the integrated system.
* Run experiments with the prototype to understand the system dynamics by testing different environmental and input parameters.
* Collaborate with partners for more detailed models of individual components (MFC, MEC, and hydroponics).
* Use the model of the system to predict the parameter set that will maximize a chosen output (electricity generation, plant growth, molecule synthesis).

Project management
* Coordinate (COMPANY NAME) CSL interactions with the consortium partners.
* Handle the organisation of consortium meetings.
* Assist in reporting.

You will bring:
* Master's degree or Ph.D. in one of the following fields: Biological Engineering, Agricultural Science, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, or a related field.
* Proficiency in data acquisition & analysis and sensor calibration.
* Experience with hands-on prototype building.
* Strong understanding of automation principles and instrument interfacing.
* Knowledge of cell culture techniques and microbial interactions.
* Alternatively, knowledge of plant growth techniques.
* Previous experience in hydroponics systems or automated instrumentation is a plus.
* Passion for sustainable agriculture and innovative solutions.

Additional Information:
* This position is part of a collaborative European project, and excellent communication skills are crucial.
* Fluency in English is required; additional European languages are a plus.
* Occasional travel within Europe may be necessary for project coordination and workshops.

Find out more about us at: https://csl.(COMPANY NAME).fr/

Life at (COMPANY NAME)
We ensure competitive salaries and benefits by using established benchmarking. We encourage healthy work-life balance supported by hybrid and flexible working policies. We are a positive community who dream big together, respect each other, and enjoy a collaborative culture.
We like to celebrate our colleagues who make a real difference using our recognition platform. We also provide access to numerous services and platforms for all aspects of wellbeing. We listen to our people through conversations and surveys, respect their suggestions, then act on them. We also provide allowances for volunteering days so that our staff can support the causes they are most passionate about.
You can build your career around you with our fantastic range of learning & personal development programs to enhance your skills. We also encourage our staff to try exciting new roles, in a wide range of countries, with a supportive mobility team to support you if you take that leap!

Bring your uniqueness to (COMPANY NAME)
We are passionate about creating a culture that promotes equity and cultivates inclusion, diversity, and belonging. We want employees with diverse backgrounds and perspectives that will stimulate innovation and have a direct impact on our creation of social value to fulfil (COMPANY NAME)'s purpose - 'to fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology'. We want you to bring your unique self to work and help shape our culture.
We are (COMPANY NAME) Europe.
Our people collaborate in an environment of respect, integrity, and open-mindedness. Diverse teams from all over Europe are the driving force for our business, and we embrace the differences that make each of us original and unique.
With offices in 28 European countries, (COMPANY NAME) Europe caters to consumer, professional, semiconductor and healthcare markets with innovative electronics products and solutions. Our European laboratories research and develop new technologies and capabilities that contributes to the (COMPANY NAME) Group and important issues on a planetary scale.
Bring your passion, creativity and ambitions to (COMPANY NAME) Europe. Apply now, and let's create the future together.

Equal Opportunity
(COMPANY NAME) Europe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, or any other protected characteristics.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to (COMPANY NAME) Europe
(COMPANY NAME) Europe will provide reasonable accommodation for any qualified individuals with disabilities in the application process. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at AccommodationRequest@eu.(COMPANY NAME).com or by mail to: (COMPANY NAME) Europe B.V, Human Resources Department, the Heights, Brooklands, Surrey, KT13 0XW, UK. When contacting us please indicate the position you are applying for, and the accommodation required.

#LI-CM1