PhD in Biocontrol for Agrochemical market

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

PhD Position: Interaction of microorganism and polysaccharide and its application in agricultural biocontrol

Syensqo in collaboration with ESPCI at Paris will host one collaborative PhD project within the BIOMAC-BP consortium, funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks HORIZON-MSCA-2023.

Project background:

• The heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture is crucial for the food supply. However, this practice leads to significant environmental and health issues, including poisoning, environmental degradation, and the development of insecticide resistance. EU policies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals advocate for safer, more sustainable alternatives like biopesticides. However, large-scale implementation of these alternatives faces challenges related to formulation and efficacy.
• The BIOMAC-BP consortium addresses the issue of synthetic pesticide use by developing sustainable biopesticide formulations. Funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks HORIZON-MSCA-2023, the international consortium brings together experts from various scientific fields, including soft-matter physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology, biophysics and agricultural science, and combines industrial and academic perspectives. The project's main objective is to develop and optimize novel bio-sourced materials to incorporate bacteria capable of producing biopesticides, enhancing the benefits and sustainability of the formulations. This effort aims to reduce synthetic pesticide emissions, improve agricultural practices, and support a greener future for the chemical industry.

We are looking for:

• A motivated PhD candidate to join our research team for a project on the interactions between microorganisms and polysaccharides under various conditions. The study focuses on enhancing the viability and retention of microbial biopesticides, like Bacillus thuringiensis, when formulated with polysaccharides such as guar gum. The candidate will analyze these systems during formulation, dilution, and drying, and characterize them on model and real-plant surfaces. The research includes examining dried films, simulating natural rinsing, and assessing mechanical and physico-chemical changes. The goal is to correlate these changes with bio-efficacy retention, guiding the development of improved microbial biopesticide formulations.

You will bring:

• Ideal candidates hold an MSc degree in soft matter, physical chemistry, chemical or material engineering, or related fields, physics, material science. Experience in microbiology or biophysics is beneficial. Additionally, they are fluent in English (oral and written). Formal knowledge of French is appreciated but not mandatory. They show enthusiasm for conducting original research in an interdisciplinary team and are highly connected to industrial applications, and strive for scientific excellence.

Additional information:

• Location: Aubervilliers and Paris, FRANCE
• Recruitment Terms: Start between February 2025 and September 2025 for a duration of 36 months.

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
  • CV
  • Cover letter.
• 3 Reference Contacts.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Since PhD students working on Marie Skłodowska Curie DN projects must comply with the specific conditions defined by the European Commission, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.