Biosourced fluorescent molecules (BiFluMo)

Organisation / Company CNRS Alsace Laboratory ICPEES - Institut de chimie et procédés pour l'énergie, l'environnement et la santé (UMR 7515) Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Keywords: Luminophore, Biosourced molecules, molecular engineering, green synthesis

Offer description:

The BIFLUMO project aims to develop novel biobased fluorescent molecular compounds as sustainable alternatives to synthetic derivatives currently derived from fossil resources. This initiative aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in chemistry and biotechnology.

To achieve this goal, the project will leverage the host laboratory’s expertise in the design, synthesis, and characterization of fluorescent compounds. Our approach includes:

• Hemisynthesis: Using naturally abundant molecular backbones as starting materials.
• Targeted Modifications: Applying precise chemical adjustments to optimize key physical properties (emission wavelength, brightness, solubility, etc.), ensuring that biobased fluorophores meet or exceed the performance of current standards.

While many photoluminescent compounds exist in nature, their emissive properties are typically weak unless subjected to extensive chemical modifications. BIFLUMO stands out by:

• Exploring understudied molecular families with high fluorescent potential.
• Developing highly emissive blue fluorescent dyes from biobased compounds. These compounds could serve as biobased Optical Brightening Agents (OBAs), a field that remains unexplored to date.

This project paves the way for groundbreaking applications in advanced materials, biotechnology, and green chemistry, while significantly reducing reliance on fossil resources. It represents a major step forward in sustainable and high-performance fluorescence.

Who can apply?

Researchers of any nationality who:

• Have completed a PhD or will complete it at the date of the call deadline (September 2026).
• Have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent experience in research at the time of the call deadline.
• Have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline.

Beware that applicants who have applied to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 call and received an evaluation below 80% are not eligible for an application in 2026.

How to apply?

We encourage all motivated and eligible postdoctoral researchers to send their expressions of interest to the supervisor’s e-mail address before 24th April 2026.

Your application shall include:

• a CV (5 pages max)
• a cover letter outlining your research background and its synergies with the supervisor’s field and/or the proposed research topic.

Estimated timetable:

• Deadline for sending an expression of interest: 24th April 2026
• Selection of the applicant: May 2026 at the latest