Offer Description
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.
The thesis will be supervised by Dr. Egon Heuson (UCCS, Centrale Lille), with the active involvement of Dr. Franck Rataboul and Dr. Laurent Djakovitch (IRCELYON). The first phase — high-throughput screening and characterisation — will be carried out at UCCS in Lille; the second phase — hybrid catalysis development — at IRCELYON in Lyon.
Where to apply
E-mail: egon.heuson@centralelille.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Chemistry » Applied chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
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.
Specific Requirements
Please note that this PhD research will take place in two laboratories classified as 'restricted access areas' by the French government. As such, the candidate will be required to provide a set of documents to support an application for accreditation from the Ministry of Defence (performed by the PhD supervisors), upon which acceptance onto the PhD programme is conditional. In the event of a refusal – which is independent of the selection process and the laboratories – the candidate cannot be recruited. As the application process takes approximately two months, this explains the proposed start date for the PhD.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good
Research Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry, Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Additional Information
Benefits
Salary: €2,300 gross/month (approx. €1,847 net/month). The successful candidate will be employed by Centrale Lille Institut.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Centrale Lille Institut
Country: France
City: Villeneuve D'Ascq
Postal Code: 59651
Street: Cité Scientifique – CS20048
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: IRCELYON
Country: France
City: Villeurbanne
Postal Code: 69626
Street: 2 Av. Albert Einstein