PhD at the interface polymer chemistry-biocatalysis M/F

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Global plastic production has reached unprecedented levels, yet only about 9% is recycled, with the rest incinerated or accumulating in the environment. Current recycling methods face significant limitations, often leading to material degradation or having a substantial environmental footprint. Recently, enzymatic recycling has emerged as a promising and more eco-friendly alternative. It relies on biocatalysts capable of selectively degrading specific plastics under mild and sustainable conditions, such as aqueous media and moderate temperatures. These advances have been driven by remarkable progress in enzyme identification and engineering—resulting in highly efficient enzymes for polymers like polyesters—as well as a deeper understanding of how polymer chemistry and structure affect recycling efficiency. However, enzymatic recycling still faces numerous challenges at the interface of polymer physico-chemistry and biocatalysis, which currently limits its application to a narrow range of polymers.
This project aims to shed light on polymer-enzyme interactions by focusing on an original class of controlled-structure polymers, specifically designed for enzymatic degradation. The project will involve polymer synthesis, enzyme production and modeling, the advanced analysis of degradation products and the thorough exploration and optimization of operating conditions.

Your Work Environment

The project takes place within a unique interdisciplinary framework, involving close collaboration between the laboratory of Chemistry of colloids, polymers & complex assemblies (Softmat) and the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute (TBI). The candidate will be expected to navigate between these two environments of research excellence.
Softmat is dedicated to research into the chemistry of soft matter. Thanks to an expertise in polymer synthesis, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry, Softmat designs new smart polymer architectures and assess their structure/properties relationship. This research has a wide range of applications in life sciences, materials sciences, green chemistry, environmental sciences, meeting the scientific and societal challenges of our time.
TBI is a world-class research unit supported by INSA, CNRS and INRAE. TBI combines fundamental and applied research in the field of biotechnology, operating at the interface of fundamental research in biology, engineering of enzymes and processes. The institute develops innovative solutions to address the challenges of the bioeconomy and ecological transition.

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

The research professions