Applied Biological Chemistry for Eco-/Biocatalysis and Environmental Science M/F

Job Description

Summary of the scientific project

Synthetic chemistry relies on numerous compounds derived from living organisms to produce high-value molecules through bio- or eco-catalysis. By using renewable raw materials, non-polluting solvents and reagents, optimizing energy consumption in manufacturing processes, or valorizing by-products, these approaches minimize waste generation. They also foster innovation in support of industrial sovereignty and decarbonization, aligning with the principles of sustainable chemistry.
In this context, the objective of this chair will be to explore biodiversity—plant, animal, fungal, or microbial—and its (bio)synthetic capacities, as well as the functions of its specialized metabolites, whether for the synthesis of products or the remediation of pollutants. The challenge is to generate sustainable, high-performance chemistry that is integrated into a circular economy.
Living organisms can assimilate, absorb, or degrade many molecules present in their environment. Some biosynthetic pathways even emerge from symbioses between these organisms or from their adaptation to environmental stressors. Identifying these molecules and deciphering their biosynthetic pathways is essential, not only to understand their biological role but also to propose new models and innovative tools for synthetic chemistry, as well as for pollutant removal and their industrial applications.
Understanding the evolution and diversification of these pathways, as well as the adaptation strategies of living organisms, offers an opportunity to rethink synthetic biology and bio-inspired chemistry with an eye toward innovation. Ultimately, the aim is to propose novel solutions—whether natural or inspired by living systems—that address the challenges of biodiversity conservation, restoration of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and the scarcity of both mineral and organic natural resources

Summary of the teaching project

The chair will offer innovative teaching in chemical ecology, biological chemistry, and environmental science. No application domain is excluded.
This project is part of a green chemistry and sustainable development approach, in line with national and European objectives to reduce the carbon footprint of the chemical industry.
These courses will be delivered at the bachelor's and master's levels, with a strong practical component (laboratory work, tutored projects, internships in laboratories or companies). The chair will also promote the creation of continuing education modules for professionals, in collaboration with competitiveness clusters and industrial networks. Courses will cover:
• The fundamental principles of green chemistry and chemical ecology.
• Methods for screening and optimizing sustainable processes.
• The industrial applications of green chemistry (pharmaceuticals, agri-food, cosmetics, energy, environment).
• The challenges of ecological transition and biodiversity conservation

Potential host facilities

• INC - CNRS Chimie
• ChimEco - Chimie Bio-Inspirée et Innovations Ecologiques
• LCBM - Laboratoire de Chimie et Biologie des Métaux
• IPREM - Institut des sciences analytiques et de physico-chimie pour l'environnement et les matériaux
• MCAM - Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes

Your Profil

Profile Required

Holders of a doctorate or a PhD or equivalent degree or applicants who have gained scientific qualifications or carried out scientific work deemed to be of an equivalent level.There is no restriction on the age or nationality of applicants. All CNRS positions are accessible to people with disabilities, with special arrangements for tests made necessary by the nature of the disability

Your Work Environment

Host Lab Strategy

MCAM (Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes, UMR7245)
Recruiting a junior professor as part of the EcoBioCat chair fully aligns with MCAM's strategy to strengthen its research axes in bio-inspired chemistry, eco-catalysis, and the adaptation of microorganisms to changing environments. The laboratory develops innovative approaches to exploit the biosynthetic capacities of microorganisms, particularly for the production of molecules of interest through sustainable processes. The chair will accelerate the discovery of new metabolic pathways and bio-inspired catalysts, while consolidating MCAM's industrial and academic partnerships in green chemistry and biomass valorization.

ChimEco (Chimie Bio-Inspirée et Innovations Écologiques, UMR5021)
For ChimEco, the creation of this chair is perfectly aligned with its strategy to develop bio-inspired chemistry and ecological innovations. The laboratory focuses on designing sustainable chemical processes inspired by natural mechanisms to address the challenges of the ecological transition. Recruiting a junior professor will invigorate research on plant biodiversity exploration and eco-catalysis, leveraging the laboratory's expertise in green catalysis, natural product chemistry, and bioprocesses. The chair will also promote technology transfer to industry, in line with existing partnerships in the agri-chemical, pharmaceutical, and bio-based materials sectors.

LCBM (Laboratoire de Chimie et Biologie des Métaux)
For LCBM, the creation of this chair aligns with its strategy to develop biological chemistry and eco-catalysis for the ecological transition. At the chemistry-biology interface, the laboratory studies natural metal systems and designs bio-inspired catalysts for applications in energy, health, and the environment. LCBM, for example, develops artificial metalloenzymes for the activation of small molecules, with direct applications in combating climate change, hydrogen production, plastic valorization, and the remediation of pollutants such as PFAS.
The chair will strengthen these axes, leveraging LCBM's expertise in spectroscopy, modeling, and bioinorganic chemistry, and will promote technological transfer to the relevant industrial sectors.

IPREM (Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux)
IPREM is a multidisciplinary institute that conducts in-depth research on the microbiological and chemical remediation of contaminants, focusing on understanding the physico-chemical and (micro)biological mechanisms that control the fate and effects of contaminants and trace elements, from the molecular to the ecosystem level, in the context of global change. The activities of the junior professor chair will integrate advanced analytical methods (analytical chemistry, metal speciation, biogeochemistry) and ecotoxicological approaches to assess the impact of contaminants and propose tailored remediation solutions.

Institution Strategy

The creation of this chair aligns with the CNRS strategy for 2026, which aims to strengthen interdisciplinarity and innovation in response to major societal challenges, particularly the ecological transition and biodiversity conservation. The EcoBioCat project will structure a French community around eco-/biocatalysis and ecological chemistry, fostering partnerships with industrial stakeholders and environmental institutions.

International Strategy

Eco-catalysis is a rapidly growing field internationally, with major applications in the pharmaceutical, agri-food, and cosmetics sectors.
Recruiting a talented junior professor, trained abroad or in France, would invigorate French research in eco-catalysis and attract international students and researchers.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Annual salary from 54 600 Euros to 57 800 Euros depending on professionnal experience.

Total funding

200k€

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€

Research Policy

Open Science

The CNRS is developing a strong policy in favor of open science. Open science consists of making research results "as accessible as possible and closed as necessary". As such, the CNRS aims to make 100% of the texts of publications resulting from the work of its laboratories accessible , in particular through deposit in HAL. The data produced must also be made available and reusable, except for specific restrictions. In addition, the guiding principles of individual evaluation have been revised in accordance with the DORA declaration, to be more qualitative and to take into account all facets of the researcher's profession.

Science and society

The relationship between science and society is now recognized as a full dimension of scientific activity. The project will develop this dimension in synergy with all the partners. The resulting research work will contribute to informing public decision-making. Participatory science initiatives may be initiated with actors from the project’s socio-economic and cultural eco-system.

Scientific dissemination

The dissemination of the results will be done through world-class scientific productions: publications, patents, software... In addition, the results will be communicated to various targets such as scientific communities, media, decision makers, general public, schools, etc., with an adapted calendar. Specific tools may be developed such as websites, newsletters, meetings, international symposia, summer schools and conferences.

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

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