Fixed-term Research Engineer (M/F) in Supported Enzymatic Photocatalysis

Job Description

Missions

The transition toward a sustainable chemical industry is increasingly driven by the need to reduce dependence on fossil resources, meet growing demand for environmentally friendly materials, and harness the vast potential of biomass-derived feedstocks. Converting non-food biomass into high-value compounds expands the renewable chemical space and aligns with circular economy and biorefinery concepts [Chem. Sci. 8, 2017, 4724]. Among biomass-derived molecular platforms, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) stands out for its versatility in producing a wide range of high-value products, including biofuels, bioplastics, and fine chemicals. However, current 5-HMF oxidation processes – often relying on thermal catalysis with noble metals – face limitations due to high costs, low selectivity, and energy intensity. The GQD-BIOCAT project, funded by the PEPR B-BEST initiative, proposes an integrated and innovative approach for 5-HMF valorization by combining photocatalysis and supported enzymatic catalysis within a modular reactor. This collaborative project brings together four research units in France: the Laboratoire Lorrain de Chimie Moléculaire (Nancy), the Institut de Chimie Physique (Paris), UMRt BioEcoAgro (Lille), and the Institut Charles Gerhardt (Montpellier, ICGM).
At ICGM, we design biobased porous and functional materials with advantageous properties for immobilizing specific enzymes to synthesize high-potential biomolecules [Green Chem. 22, 2020, 3727; CR Chimie 28, 2025, 543]. Within the GQD-BIOCAT project, we will investigate the co-immobilization of biobased photocatalysts (active under visible light) and oxidoreductase enzymes to perform cascade reactions via hybrid catalysis under mild and sustainable conditions. A key focus will be the selective amination of 5-HMF and its derivatives, such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF), for potential valorization into high-value polymers (e.g., polyamides) or fine chemicals (e.g., diamines).

Activity

Synthesis and characterization of biomass-derived porous materials;
Immobilization of enzymes on biobased porous supports;
Screening of photocatalysts for 1,4-NADH cofactor regeneration;
Implement and monitor the photo-enzymatic amination of 5-HMF (and derivatives);
Analyze data, present results to the supervisory team and consortium during periodic meetings, and draft quarterly reports.

Your Profil

Skills

PhD in chemistry with desired knowledge in supported enzymatic catalysis, especially with NAD-dependent dehydrogenases.
Required qualities: strong motivation, curiosity, creativity, rigor, autonomy and ability to work in a team.

Your Work Environment

The project offers an outstanding opportunity for highly motivated candidates passionate about green chemistry, catalysis, and enzyme engineering to thrive in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment. The engineer will work at ICGM in the Balard building (CNRS campus, Montpellier), within a dynamic and interdisciplinary team of 5-10 researchers specializing in supported enzyme catalysis, biochemistry, biomass valorization, and materials science within the “Porous & Hybrid Materials” (MPH) department.

This collaborative project, funded by the PEPR B-BEST initiative, brings together four research units in France: the Laboratoire Lorrain de Chimie Moléculaire (Nancy), the Institut de Chimie Physique (Paris), UMRt BioEcoAgro (Lille), and the Institut Charles Gerhardt (Montpellier, ICGM).

The position is located in a sector subject to the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST) regulations. As such, in accordance with the applicable provisions, your appointment must be authorized by the relevant authority within the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR)

Constraints and risks

The position is located in a sector subject to the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST) regulations. As such, in accordance with the applicable provisions, your appointment must be authorized by the relevant authority within the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR)

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From 3175€ gross per month, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions