PhD position M/F (36 months), Biocatalysis, Materials, Hybrid Catalysis & High-Throughput Screening

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Enzymes are highly efficient eco-friendly catalysts whose practical implementation is nonetheless limited by their inherent instability under the demanding conditions required for biorefinery processes. Immobilisation on solid supports is a well-established strategy to overcome this limitation, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) — porous crystalline hybrid solids of extraordinary structural and chemical diversity — have emerged as particularly promising immobilisation matrices, leading to catalytic biocomposites with high activity and stability. The CALIBRATE project aims to rationalise the selection of optimal enzyme–MOF pairs by combining high-throughput experimentation with machine learning.
Within this framework, we propose an interdisciplinary thesis project combining high-throughput automation, biochemistry/enzymology, materials characterisation and catalysis. The first part of the work will focus on the high-throughput characterisation of MOF–enzyme biocomposites to contribute to the construction of an unprecedented dataset of approximately 10000 catalytic materials, initiated by a parallel doctoral project. The second part of the work will address the deployment of the best-performing biocomposites in hybrid catalytic processes for the selective oxidation and amination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) derivatives, by combining them with heterogeneous chemocatalysts developed at IRCELYON. This will enable cascade chemo/bio-catalytic transformations in a single reactor, demonstrating the added value of hybrid catalysis for sustainable fine-chemical production.

Your Work Environment

The candidate will be in charge of high-throughput catalytic activity and stability screening of MOF–enzyme biocomposites (activity assays, stability assays, etc.), as well as the design and optimisation of hybrid catalytic processes. She/He should possess a solid background in biochemistry, enzymology and/or catalysis, with strong hands-on experimental experience. A basic knowledge of chemical synthesis would be an advantage, particularly if combined with one or two analytical techniques (NMR, HPLC, GC, etc.). A genuine interest in laboratory automation and high-throughput experimentation is essential; prior experience in operating or programming automated liquid-handling platforms would be a significant advantage. Familiarity with hybrid materials or MOFs is a plus but not mandatory. Good data-management habits, organisation and communication skills are required. The ability and motivation to work on a project at the interface of biocatalysis, automation and catalysis is extremely important.

Constraints and risks

Chemistry laboratory work

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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