New Methodologies and Applications in Biocatalysis for Sustainable Chemistry M/F

Job Description

Summary of the scientific project

Modern biocatalysis no longer merely uses or imitates living systems: it surpasses them by offering innovative solutions to contemporary challenges while outlining the contours of a more responsible and future-oriented chemistry. In this context, the recruited professor will develop an ambitious research program at the interface of chemistry, biology, and digital sciences. Driven by the convergence of biotechnologies, molecular modeling, and artificial intelligence, the program will aim to design next-generation biocatalysts. The enzymes of tomorrow are no longer optimized solely from existing systems but are also designed ab initio, with the goal of catalyzing unprecedented transformations not observed in nature. These approaches enable the exploration of new reaction spaces, with potential applications in the synthesis of complex molecules, the valorization of renewable resources, and carbon capture and transformation.

This project aims to develop new methodologies in biocatalysis to address the challenges of sustainable chemistry. Enzymes, as highly selective and efficient natural catalysts, enable the design of environmentally friendly processes by reducing the use of toxic solvents and energy consumption. The work will focus on:

• The discovery and engineering of new artificial enzymes for applications in organic synthesis and biotransformation.
• The optimization of biocatalytic processes, particularly through enzyme immobilization and the implementation of (photo)chemo-enzymatic cascades (in vitro), as well as through developments in interfacial chemistry (heterogeneous catalysis) or flow chemistry.
• The development of biocatalysts for biomass valorization and the production of high-value molecules (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, bio-based materials), pollutant treatment, etc.
• In the longer term, the research conducted will contribute to the emergence of profoundly renewed industrial processes, based on modular, adaptive catalytic systems integrated into circular economy frameworks. In this perspective, the professor will actively participate in structuring interdisciplinary collaborations and strengthening ties with academic and industrial stakeholders.

This project is part of a sustainable development approach where biocatalysis becomes a strategic lever to address major climatic, energy, and societal challenges. It will help train a new generation of scientists capable of advancing chemistry that is both high-performing, sustainable, and resolutely focused on innovation.

Summary of the teaching project

The chair will offer innovative teaching in biocatalysis, tailored to the needs of partner universities and industrial stakeholders. Courses will cover:

• Fundamental principles of biocatalysis and enzyme engineering.
• Screening and optimization methods for biocatalysts (including AI).
• Industrial applications of biocatalysis (pharmaceuticals, agri-food, cosmetics, energy).
• Challenges of green chemistry and sustainable development.

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.

Potential host facilities

• INC - CNRS Chimie
• ICBMS - Institut de Chimie et Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires
• DCM - Département de Chimie Moléculaire
• ICCF - Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand
• iSm2 - Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille

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

ISM2 (Marseille)
The Marseille Institute of Molecular Sciences (ISM2) conducts research at the interface of chemistry and biology, with strong expertise in biocatalysis and sustainable chemistry. The BiosCiences team works on bio-inspired catalysis, enzyme engineering, and chiral molecule synthesis, in collaboration with industrial and academic partners. Recruiting a junior professor in biocatalysis would strengthen this dynamic and accelerate technology transfer to industry, particularly in health and environmental sectors.

ICCF (Clermont-Ferrand)
The Clermont-Ferrand Institute of Chemistry (ICCF) is a major player in biocatalysis, with a dedicated team (BioMeta) working on chiral molecule synthesis, enzyme immobilization, and eco-compatible process optimization. ICCF collaborates closely with the Genoscope and other European laboratories to discover new enzymatic activities and develop high-performance biocatalysts. Creating this chair would enhance the institute's international visibility and attractiveness for young researchers.

DCM (Grenoble)
The Department of Molecular Chemistry (DCM) in Grenoble conducts interdisciplinary projects in biocatalysis, addressing health and energy challenges. The BioCEN team innovates at the biomolecular and nanometric levels, particularly for energy conversion, CO₂ valorization, and the design of electrochemical sensors for medical or environmental applications. Its work focuses on enzymatic electrocatalysis, such as activating C-H bonds for methane or pollutant oxidation (PFAS, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), as well as cascade reactions for CO₂ reduction to methanol. The I2BM team, meanwhile, designs artificial DNAzymes as an emerging alternative to enzymes for asymmetric catalysis in biocatalysis.

ICBMS (Lyon)
The Institute of Molecular and Supramolecular Chemistry and Biochemistry (ICBMS) develops research in biocatalysis, particularly on biological and biomimetic membranes, and enzyme immobilization. The institute has state-of-the-art instrumental facilities and a network of industrial partners, making it an ideal place for the development of innovative biocatalytic processes.

However, biocatalysis remains critically understaffed in France and particularly in these units (1 to 3 researchers), making it a fragile field.

Institution Strategy

The CNRS has unique expertise in biocatalysis, a key discipline for the transition to greener and more sustainable chemistry. Biocatalysis enables the development of eco-compatible processes, reducing the use of organic solvents, energy consumption, and waste, while improving the selectivity and efficiency of chemical reactions. However, despite its potential, biocatalysis remains underrepresented in France compared to other European countries, the United States, and China, where it is already widely integrated into the pharmaceutical, agri-food, and cosmetics industries.

Strengthening biocatalysis fully aligns with the CNRS strategy for 2026, which aims to promote innovative, interdisciplinary research focused on major societal challenges, particularly the environment, ecological transition, and health. This chair will structure and invigorate the French biocatalysis community, leveraging excellence laboratories and fostering partnerships with the industrial sector.

International Strategy

Biocatalysis is a rapidly growing field internationally, with major applications in the pharmaceutical, agri-food, and cosmetics sectors. While France has significant scientific potential, it lags behind countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, or the United States, where biocatalysis is already widely industrialized.

Recruiting a talented junior professor would invigorate French research in biocatalysis and attract international students and researchers. The chair will rely on existing networks (FrenchBIC, European collaborations) to enhance France's attractiveness and promote scientific exchanges.

Attracting a young researcher, potentially trained abroad in countries that have successfully developed such activities, is facilitated by the CPJ program, which will provide an adapted environment for the laureate to launch their project.

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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