Job Information
Organisation/Company: Aix-Marseille University
Department: Research Unit UMR7281 (Bioenergetics and Protein Engineering)
Research Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry; Chemistry » Molecular chemistry; Physics » Biophysics; Computer science » 3 D modelling
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Application Deadline: 8 Nov 2026 - 08:00 (Europe/Paris)
Country: France
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Offer Starting Date: 11 Jan 2027
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
IMPORTANT: please read the elegibility criteria (backround and expertise expected) before sending your application. Also, for applicants, please send by email a single pdf file containing: letter of motivation, detailed CV, two letters of recommendations embeded.
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. 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.
We are looking for a highly motivated protein chemist, with a PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or Physics, and a strong background in protein chemistry (including metalloprotein expression and purification), metalloenzymes 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 two years (24 months).
The 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).
Where to apply
E-mail: aivancich@im.cnrs.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Highly motivated biochemist, with a PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry or Physics. A strong background in protein chemistry (including metalloprotein expression and purification), metalloenzymes 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 two years (24 months).
Specific Requirements
The PDRA candidate is expected to actively take part in the expression and purification of artificial heme-binding proteins. Characterization in vitro (binding modes of the heme cofactor and catalytic reactivities by stopped-flow UV-Vis electronic absorption and EPR spectroscopies, spectroelectrochemistry) of the purified artificial heme proteins bearing a heme and Trp redox cofactors, as well as comparisons of the catalytic intermediates (and their enzymatic reactivities toward the pro-drug isoniazid) with the natural KatG enzymes from M. abscessus, M. tuberculosis and B. pseudomallei, is expected to be performed. Lipid encapsulation of the artificial heme catalysts will serve as preceding step for further in-cell studies of the successful artificial scaffolds for isoniazid reactivity, to be carried out in M. abscessus bacterium. The latter is a mycobacterium strain naturally resistant to isoniazid.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Internal Application form(s) needed
PDRA2027-2028_profile_DeNovoCatalysts_Marseille-France_NEW.pdf (English, 227.19 KB - PDF)
Additional Information
Benefits
The salary will be defined by Aix-Marseille University’s salary grid and considering previous postdoctoral experience. Social security and medical cover will provided under the french rules. The contract is for 24 months.
Eligibility criteria
Experience on either natural and/or artificial heme proteins, as well as protein-based radicals as cofactors in enzyme catalysis, metalloprotein biochemistry, expression and purification of natural or artificial metalloproteins from prior research work during PhD or postdoctoral training will be important criteria for selection of the candidate.
Selection process
After the deadline of Nov 8th, a short list of candidates will be done based on the recieved CVs, letter of motivation and letters of recommendations. Video interviewes will be done with each of the applicants in the short list; it will include a short presentation by the candidate of his previous work and expertise, followed by a discussion to clearly identify common interests.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Research Unit UMR7281 (Bioenergetics and Protein Engineering)
Country: France
City: Marseille
Postal Code: 13009
Street: 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier
Contact
City: Marseille
Website: https://bip.cnrs.fr/contact/ivancich-anabella/; https://bip.cnrs.fr/
Street: 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier. Campus CNRS.
Postal Code: 13009
E-Mail: aivancich@imm.cnrs.fr