Description of the thesis topic

Sujet de thèse Process (Membrane/Adsorption/Biocatalysis) for the production and purification of phenolic compounds from Lignocellulosic Biomass
This PhD thesis explores the production of high-value-added aromatic compounds from lignocellulosic biomass for fine chemistry, offering an alternative to fossil resources. It is part of a project that includes lignin extraction, its depolymerization, purification, and transformation of compounds to obtain high-value-added products such as vanillin. The proposed thesis focuses on developing separation processes using membrane techniques and adsorption. An innovative coupling of enzymatic biocatalysis and membrane filtration will also be considered to prevent the repolymerization of monomers, in partnership with a team from INRAE. Analytical techniques will be developed to characterize the incoming and outgoing streams.
The selected candidate will develop skills in separation and biological processes on both aspects of the project: the depolymerization of lignin and the purification of the obtained compounds.

Work Context

Contexte de travail The candidate (M/F) will be based at the Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien in Strasbourg (Department of Analytical Sciences).
The Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert CURIEN (IPHC), a research unit under the joint supervision of the CNRS and the University of Strasbourg (UMR7178), is a multidisciplinary laboratory where research teams from different scientific backgrounds develop programs based on scientific instrumentation. The IPHC has a total staff of 393 (M/F), including 102 M/F PhD students.
The candidate (M/F) will join the IPHC's Reconnaissance et Procédés de Séparation Moléculaire (RePSeM) team, comprising 11 teacher-researchers, 11 PhD students, 1 post-doctoral student and 1 Research Engineer attached to the project.
The PhD student (M/F) will be attached to the Doctoral School of Chemical Sciences of the University of Strasbourg (ED222).
The candidate (M/F) will be responsible for carrying out the proposed research project, collaborating with other researchers in the team and participating in the life of the laboratory.
He or she will benefit from access to a university restaurant, partial reimbursement of travel expenses, a works council, and the possibility of taking training courses to adapt to the mission.
Strasbourg is one of Europe's most attractive cities (see the New York Times video: 36 Hours in Strasbourg) and boasts an internationally renowned University (47th in Chemistry, Shanghai ranking) offering an excellent learning environment.
Requirements:
 Academic background: Process engineering, green chemistry, biotechnology, or related field.
 Skills: Strong laboratory experimentation and analysis skills; separation techniques (membrane filtration, adsorption); experience in processes is recommended, and knowledge in biotechnology and biomass structure will be an asset.
 Attributes: Personal motivation for research, ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
 Motivations: The candidate must demonstrate an aptitude for experimental work and be open to finding solutions to the challenges that will arise during the research work.

Applications should include a CV, a cover letter, Master 1 and 2 transcripts and the contact of at least one academic referent and, a letter of recommendation.