Engineer (M/F) 3 years

Analysis of volatile organic compounds, particularly from microbial metabolism, provides insight into the functions of often complex microbial communities. Millimeter-submillimeter rotational spectroscopy appears to be ideal for identifying and quantifying complex clusters of trace substances, maintaining molecular integrity. Eventually, the instrument would be used to analyze return samples from Mars. It will be used to analyze vapors from terrestrial samples, such as unknown soils or microbial cultures. The instrument could also have applications in agri-food, food conservation, human health.

The work consists of assembling, characterizing and documenting a new instrument on the basis of an existing similar instrument. The instrument consists of a frequency beat note synthesizer using frequency stabilized lasers, using fiber optic components dedicated to optical telecommunications, and an optimized spectroscopy cavity.

The work will be carried out within the framework of the MARCUS project, managed by CNES.

The candidate will have expertise in instrumentation (optics or physics or electronics), graduated from an engineering school or master’s degree. He/she should be driven by the interdisciplinary approach (instrumentation, rotational spectroscopy, chemistry, microbiological applications). He/she will be supported by a technical team of laboratory engineers (electronics, mechanics, optics). Knowledge of project management is a plus. Engineer with less than a 3-year experience.

Applications will be sent to francois.bondu@univ-rennes.fr et must contain the following elements:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Master/engineering diploma copy  
• Master results
• Publications if any
• 2 recommendation letters