Postdoctoral Research Associate position (Biochemistry/protein Chemistry) within a France-USA c[...]

BIP; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A research institute in France is seeking a highly motivated biochemist for a Postdoc position starting January 2026. The role focuses on developing artificial mini-proteins for targeted catalysis, requiring a PhD in a related field and expertise in enzyme catalysis. Exceptional communication skills and a collaborative spirit are essential. Competitive salary based on experience is offered.

Prestations

Competitive salary based on experience

Qualifications

• PhD holder with strong background in biochemistry and metalloenzyme catalysis required.
• Experience in enzyme catalysis and protein purification is essential.
• Good level of English required.

Responsabilités

• Conduct expression and purification of natural KatGs and artificial heme-binding proteins.
• Characterize in vitro catalytic reactivities of the purified artificial heme proteins.
• Carry out in-cell studies of artificial scaffolds.

Connaissances

Biochemistry

Metalloenzyme catalysis

Molecular spectroscopy

Excellent communication skills

Formation

PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or Physics

Outils

Stopped-flow UV-Vis absorption

EPR spectroscopies

Description du poste

Research Unit UMR7281. Bioenergetics and Protein Engineering. CNRS&Aix-Marseille University.

Organisation/Company BIP Department Research Unit UMR7281. Bioenergetics and Protein Engineering. CNRS&Aix-Marseille University. Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Biological sciences » Biological engineering Physics » Biophysics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 10 Dec 2025 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 15 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number AMX-22-IN1-53 (A*MIDEX International) Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

DeNovoCatalysts , an international collaborative Project (France-USA) funded by A*MIDEX, the Aix-Marseille University Foundation, aims to develop self-assembling and water-soluble artificial mini-proteins with bioinspired heme&Trp redox cofactors for targeted catalysis, and resulting in novel versatile catalysts with enhanced reactivity for medical and/or environmental applications. Such mini-catalysts are inspired on natural metalloproteins in which their reactivity is expanded by the concerted chemistry of transition metals and protein-based radicals [1]. Our bioinspired artificial catalysts are being conceived and characterized as in vitro tunable model systems for understanding better the molecular determinants underlying natural catalytic strategies of drug-target heme enzymes and their bioresistance. Moreover, we will target challenging in vivo applications by developing the heme&Trp artificial catalysts for in cell reactivity, thus emulating KatGs (His-ligated heme enzymes; pro-drug activation) or cyt P450 oxygenases (Cys-ligated heme enzymes; selective oxidation of inert C-H bonds).

The recruited PDRA will work within the collaborative Research Project DeNovoCatalysts between Dr. Anabella Ivancich (Research Unit UMR 7281, CNRS & Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France), Dr. Stéphane Canaan (Research Unit UMR 7255, CNRS & Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France) and Prof. Vincent L. Pecoraro (Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA). The proposed starting time for the contract is as early as January 15th, yet later dates can be discussed if necessary.

We are looking for a highly motivated biochemist, with a PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or Physics, and a strong background in biochemistry, metalloenzyme catalysis and spectroscopy, excellent communication skills and being eager to work collaboratively in our multidisciplinary research project (Bioinorganic Chemistry, Biophysics, molecular/cell Biology) to undertake a PDRA position of 18 months.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The PDRA candidate is expected to actively take part in the expression and purification of the natural KatGs and artificial heme-binding proteins. Characterization in vitro (catalytic reactivities, stopped-flow UV-Vis absorption and EPR spectroscopies, potentiometric studies) of the purified artificial heme proteins bearing a heme and Trp redox cofactors (binding modes of the heme cofactor) and comparisons of the catalytic intermediates and their enzymatic reactivities with the natural KatG enzymes from M. abscessus , M. tuberculosis and B. pseudomallei , is expected to be performed. Further in-cell studies of the isoniazid reactivity of the successful artificial scaffolds will be carried out in M. abscessus , being a naturally resistant mycobacterium strain [3]. Experience on natural and/orartificial heme proteins, as well as protein-based radicals as cofactors in enzyme catalysis, metalloproteins' biochemistry, expression and purification of natural or artificial metalloproteins, from prior research work during PhD or postdoctoral training will be important criteria for selection.

Specific Requirements

The AMIDEX International funds require that the candidate would not have obtained his/her PhD Diploma from Aix-Marseille University.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineeringChemistry » BiochemistryPhysics » Biophysics Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Internal Application form(s) needed

Competitive salary will be defined by the Aix-Marseille University’s salary grid and taking into account the previous research experience (i.e. number of years after obtaining the PhD). The proposed starting time for the contract is as early as January 15th, yet later dates can be discussed if necessary.

Eligibility criteria

We are looking for a highly motivated biochemist, with a PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or Physics, and a strong background in biochemistry, metalloenzyme catalysis and molecular spectroscopy, excellent communication skills (in English) and being eager to work collaboratively in our multidisciplinary research project (Bioinorganic Chemistry, Biophysics, molecular/cell Biology) to undertake a PDRA position of 18 months.

Selection process

Applications (including a detailed CV, a motivation letter and two letters of recommendation) should be sent to Dr A. Ivancich ([e-mail] ) before November 4th, 8 pm (Paris time). Please include the actual two letters of recommendation (not the name of referees only, since we cannot afford contacting them for each candidate).

Additional comments

A preselection will be made based on the application packages received by November 4th, 8pm (Paris time). The preselected candidates will be invited to an interview (videoconference) to further assess elegibility, research experience and common research interests.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Research Unit UMR7281. Bioenergetics and Protein Engineering. CNRS&Aix-Marseille University. Country France State/Province Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur City Marseille Postal Code 13009 Street 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier Geofield