PhD Position in Synthetic Chemistry (M/F) - PEPtide Engineering for CO₂ valorization
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 months
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Partial Time
Workplace
34293 MONTPELLIER
Contract Duration
36 months
Date of Hire
01/11/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 24 September 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
SCIENTIFIC CONTEXT & CHALLENGES: Carbon dioxide capture and chemical valorization represent a major lever for the transition toward a circular economy and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Among sustainable conversion pathways, coupling carbone dioxide with epoxides provides access to cyclic carbonates, which are key intermediates for the synthesis of bio-based polymers (NIPUs, polycarbonates), eco-friendly solvents, and battery electrolytes. Although thermodynamically favorable, this reaction requires an efficient catalytic system to activate CO2 and open the epoxide ring. Current processes mainly rely on metallic catalysts or halide salts (ionic liquids), which present toxicity, corrosivism, cost, and recyclability issues. Furthermore, conventional metal-free organocatalytic systems often require harsh operating conditions. The PEPCO2 project aims to overcome this technological bottleneck by developing a new generation of metal- and halide-free bifunctional peptide catalysts capable of operating under particularly mild and eco-friendly conditions.
Your Work Environment
The PhD project will be carried out in synergy between the Institute of Biomolecules Max Mousseron (IBMM - UMR 5247), recognized for its international expertise in peptide engineering, and the Charles Gerhardt Institute Montpellier (ICGM - UMR 5253), expert in organocatalysis and sustainable chemistry. The PhD candidate will benefit from the state-of-the-art analytical platforms of the Balard Chemistry Pole in Montpellier.
Constraints and risks
CANDIDATE PROFILERequired Qualification: Master's degree or Engineering degree in Organic Chemistry / Green Chemistry / Catalysis.Technical Skills: Strong background in organic synthesis (heterocyclic chemistry and/or solid-phase or solution-phase peptide synthesis), purification techniques (chromatography), and characterization by NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC).Personal & Professional Skills: Scientific rigor, curiosity, autonomy, strong team spirit in a multidisciplinary environment, and fluency in English (written and spoken).
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
2300 € gross monthly
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
| Offer reference | UMR5247-LUDMAI-001 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Chemistry of and for life: design and properties of molecules of biological interest |
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.
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