PhD Position (M/F) in Supported Enzymatic Catalysis

Job Description

Thesis Subject

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 here]. 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 here; CR Chimie 28, 2025, 543 here]. 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).

The successful candidate will:
+ Produce, purify, and characterize preselected enzymes (dehydrogenases);
+ Study enzyme immobilization on biobased porous supports using various methods (experimental design);
+ Implement and monitor the (photo-)enzymatic amination of 5-HMF (and derivatives);
+ Optimize and scale up the amination reaction to 100 mL (experimental design);
+ Contribute to the development of a hybrid catalysis reactor in collaboration with project partners;
+ Analyze data, present results to the supervisory team and consortium during periodic meetings, participate in (inter)national conferences, and draft quarterly reports.

Your Work Environment

Funding: ANR PEPR B-BEST GQD-BIOCAT involving 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).
This PhD 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 PhD candidate will primarily work at ICGM (>30 months out of 36) in the Balard building (CNRS campus, Montpellier), within a dynamic and interdisciplinary team of 5-10 researchers specializing in heterogeneous catalysis, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biomass valorization, and materials science within the “Porous & Hybrid Materials” department. Short research stays are planned with project partners, including a 3-4 month visit to UMRt BioEcoAgro (Lille) at the beginning of the thesis.

Constraints and risks

n/a

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

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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