Description du sujet de thèse

A PhD position (M/F) (expected starting date: autumn 2025) is available at the “Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille” (iSm2, UMR 7313) within the frame of a France 2030 PEPR-funded project (PuLCO; ANR-24-PEBB-0009).

The project is centered on the study of a copper containing metalloenzyme involved in recalcitrant biomass valorization. Conversion of biomass into biobased chemicals is an important strategy for the future. In particular, the use of non-edible parts of plants from agricultural or forestry residues (lignocellulosic biomass) for the production of “advanced” biofuels or chemicals, is highly desirable to avoid competition with food or water supplies. However, lignocellulose (mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) valorization is still a challenge and its natural resistance to deconstruction is largely responsible for the high conversion costs.

In this context, Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases (LPMO) have emerged as a class of enzyme of high interest for improved polysaccharide valorization. LPMO are copper-containing enzymes which catalyze the hydroxylation of a strong C-H bond at the glycosidic linkage of the polysaccharide further leading to chain cleavage. The active site contains a mononuclear copper ion ligated by two histidines in an unusual “histidine-brace” motif. Several fundamental questions on the structure-function relationships of LPMOs remain to be adressed. The project will aim at getting information on the influence of key environmental parameters, mutagenesis, substrate interaction, redox partners etc. on the properties of the enzyme.

The candidate will be involved in the following tasks:
-Production of recombinant LPMOs and variants
-Characterization of the copper active sites
-Mechanistic and functional investigations
-Advanced protein electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry

Highly motivated candidates (master degree or equivalent with excellent academic records) with a background in chemistry and / or biochemistry and / or biophysics are strongly encouraged to apply.
Previous laboratory experience in protein chemistry, metalloenzyme or coordination complexes, electrochemistry, or any other field that could benefit the project would be valuable but is not mandatory

Keywords: bioinorganic chemistry, metalloenzyme, copper, biomass, polysaccharides, redox, mechanism

Contexte de travail

This project is funded by France 2030 and the PEPR B-BEST of the national acceleration strategy “Biobased products, industrial biotechnologies - Sustainable fuels”. (https://anr.fr/fr/france-2030/france2030/call/pepr-b-best-biomasses-biotechnologies-et-technologies-durables-pour-la-chimie-et-les-carburants/).

The PhD candidate will join the BiosCiences group at iSm2 (Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille, France). This group has a strong expertise in the study of metalloenzymes and the development of bioinspired models. He/She will evolve in a multidisciplinary environment (chemistry / biology / biophysics) and will gain experience in a range of techniques used in this project at the interface of chemistry and biology.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

Knowledge of chemical and biological hazards is essential. The candidate must be familiar with good laboratory practice.