PhD student in materials chemistry (M/F): Rational design of biocatalysts based on the association of Metal-Organic Frameworks and Enzyme

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Enzymes are highly efficient eco-friendly catalysts but often need immobilization on solid supports for practical use. Among the wide variety of materials available for enzyme immobilisation, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), that are porous crystalline hybrid solids, have been identified as promising supports for the immobilisation of several enzyme families — leading to catalytic biocomposites with high activity and stability. Identifying and selecting the most suitable support for immobilising one or several enzymes is, however, very often addressed on a case-by-case basis.
The aim of this thesis project is to rationalize the relationships between the MOF and the enzyme physico-chemical properties, and ultimately with the resulting catalytic biomaterial efficiency.
In practical terms, this research project will initially involve creating a library of MOFs exhibiting the widest possible range of physicochemical and structural properties. A synthesis robot will then be used to design catalytically active composite materials by combining these MOFs with a library of enzymes produced by a partner laboratory.
The materials obtained will be characterised in terms of their structure, as well as their catalytic performance (activity, recyclability, etc.).
Ultimately, if these materials demonstrate high catalytic performance in terms of conversion yield, selectivity and reaction kinetics, they could be used in fine chemical applications to reduce energy costs and minimize environmental impacts. This is therefore an interdisciplinary project drawing on expertise in materials chemistry, biochemistry/enzymology and automation.
The candidate will be responsible for the synthesis of MOF-based composites. They will also play an active role in the comprehensive structural and physicochemical characterisation of these materials using a wide range of techniques (XRD, IR, NMR, UV-Vis, gas sorption, electron microscopy, etc.), as well as in the evaluation of their catalytic properties.
The candidate must possess a solid knowledge of chemistry and materials science. Previous experience in the field of biocatalysis/enzymology would be an advantage, but is not essential. Experience in programming laboratory robots, or at least an interest in this type of experimentation, would also be highly appreciated.
He/she must be interested in practical training in a wide range of characterisation techniques. Good organizational and communication skills are required.
The ability and motivation to work on an interdisciplinary project are extremely important.

Your Work Environment

The successful candidate will join the CALIBRATE project. This project involves five partners: the ILV (Versailles), the UCCS (Lille), the Genoscope (Evry), TBI (Toulouse) and the IRCELYON (Lyon).
The PhD research will take place mainly at the Institut Lavoisier de Versailles (ILV) in Versailles and the Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide (UCCS) in Lille. Participation in meetings organised at the other partner laboratories will also be required.
The Institut Lavoisier de Versailles (ILV) is a laboratory internationally recognised for its expertise in http://www.ilv.uvsq.fr/ (MOFs).
It is a CNRS/UVSQ joint research unit (UMR) established in 2006, bringing together all the chemists from the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ). The institute is located on the UFR des Sciences campus in Versailles, occupying the entire Lavoisier building (covering an area of 3,900 m², including 1,620 m² of laboratories and 941 m² of offices). We therefore benefit from a high-quality working environment with modern research infrastructure and equipment tailored to our needs.
The ILV is organised into three teams comprising a total of 55 permanent staff (researchers, research lecturers and research support staff), namely: i) the EPI team (Electrochemistry and Physical Chemistry at Interfaces), ii) the SORG team (Organic Synthesis of Versailles) and iii) the MIM (Molecules, Interactions, Materials). This leads the various research groups to focus on the following areas:
- EPI: interfacial electrochemistry; physicochemistry of surfaces and interfaces; electron spectroscopies
- SORG: catalysis and heterocycles; fluorinated compounds and photo-induced processes; molecular materials: conception, design and applications; development of natural products and industrial applications.
- MIM: inorganic molecules and porous materials: synthesis, properties and characterisation
It is this latter team that the successful candidate will join.
The UCCS laboratory, the Catalysis and Solid-State Chemistry Unit (https://uccs.univ-lille.fr), is a joint research unit (UMR 8181) under the supervision of the CNRS, the University of Lille, the University of Artois and Centrale Lille.
The scientific activities carried out at the UCCS address sustainable development issues such as sustainable chemistry, energy and the environment, drawing on three areas of scientific expertise: (1) Catalysis and Molecular Chemistry, (2) Heterogeneous Catalysis and (3) Solid-State Chemistry.
More specifically, the student will join the CATSUSCHEM team, whose activities focus on the advanced catalytic conversion of biomass for biorefineries, as well as the conversion of pollutants such as CO2. Its researchers develop expertise in heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysis, process/reactor engineering, and high-throughput catalytic screening for the valorisation of small molecules (C1, H2) and bio-based platform molecules derived from the lignocellulosic and oilseed sectors (C1 to C6). In addition, original fundamental research is also being conducted, notably including pioneering work in hybrid catalysis combining chemo- and biocatalysis within a single reactor.
To this end, the team relies on the REALCAT screening platform located at Centrale Lille (https://www.realcat.fr), whose robots will be utilised as part of this PhD research.

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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