Job offer

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

Organisation/Company AIix-Marseille University/A*MIDEX Department Research Unit UMR7281. Bioenergetics and Protein Engineering. CNRS&Aix-Marseille University. Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 25 Mar 2026 - 20:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 13 Apr 2026 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

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). Our approach of engineering redox-active Trp(s) resulting in controlled Trp radical(s) as substrate oxidizing site(s) and/or electron transfer relays (as in KatGs natural enzymes (1)) relies on our currently developed de novo heme-only functional proteins, using self-assembling α -helical scaffolds (2).

We are looking for a highly motivated biochemist, 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 salary will be defined by Aix-Marseille University’s salary grid and considering previous postdoctoral experience. The AMIDEX International funds require that the candidate would not have obtained his/her PhD Diploma from Aix-Marseille University. 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). The proposed starting time for the contract is as early as April 2026, yet later dates could be considered if needed (please specifyyour time constrains in your motivation letter).

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 isoniazid reactivity of the successful artificial scaffolds, to be carried out in M. abscessus bacterium. The latter is a mycobacterium strain (3) naturally resistant to isoniazid. Experience on either natural and/orartificial 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.

Applications (including a detailed CV, a motivation letter and two letters of recommendation, all in a single pdf file please) should be sent to Dr A. Ivancich ( ) before March 25th, 8 pm (Paris time). Inquires can be addressed to Anabella Ivancich ( ) and/or Stéphane Canaan ( ).

• (a) Singh, R., Switala, J., Loewen, P.C., Ivancich, A* . J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007 129 , . (b) Colin, J., Wiseman, B., Switala, J., Loewen, P. C., Ivancich, A.* J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009 131 , .
• (a) Koebke, K.J, Kühl, T., Lojou, E., Demeler, B., Schoepp-Cothenet, B., Iranzo, O., Pecoraro, V.L.* , Ivancich, A.* Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021 60 , . (b) Modenez, I.A., Ivancich A* , Pecoraro V.L* Methods in Enzymology

Where to apply

E-mail

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Biochemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated biochemist, 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).

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 isoniazid reactivity of the successful artificial scaffolds, to be carried out in M. abscessus bacterium.

Experience on either natural and/orartificial 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.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Chemistry » BiochemistryChemistry » Physical chemistryPhysics » BiophysicsPhysics » Chemical physics

Internal Application form(s) needed

The salary will be defined by Aix-Marseille University’s salary grid and considering previous postdoctoral experience.

Eligibility criteria

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

Selection process

• Applications including a detailed CV, a motivation letter and two letters of recommendation (all in a single pdf file please) should be sent to Dr A. Ivancich ( ) before March 25th, 8 pm (Paris time).
• Based on the received applications until March 25th, a short list of candidates will be interviewed by A. Ivancich and S. Canaan.
• Final decision will be taken not later than March 31st and will becommunicated by email to all candidates.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Reserach Unit UMR 7281. CNRS and Aix-Marseille University Country France City Marseille Postal Code 13009 Street 31 chemin Joseph Aiguier Geofield