CNRS Junior Professorship Chair (CPJ) at Institute of Chemistry of Clermont-Ferrand

The Clermont-Ferrand Institute of Chemistry (ICCF) brings together 122 permanent staff members and 100-150 fixed-term researchers (PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and contract employees). Its mission is to unite and promote the chemistry research activities carried out on the Clermont-Ferrand site, with the support of its parent institutions: the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Clermont Auvergne University (UCA). The ICCF is organized into six multidisciplinary research teams covering the fields of chemistry and health, chemistry and biology, physical chemistry, and materials chemistry.

The ICCF's research activities rely on a broad range of  scientific instrumentation distributed across three Scientific and Technical Facilities:  Bioorganic Chemistry (microbiology laboratory, automated screening platform, molecular modeling, and chemical library), Spectroscopy (NMR, mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and EPR), and Physicochemical Characterization (AFM, chromatography, X-ray diffraction, and plasma technologies).

One of the Institute's major strengths is its ability to combine fundamental academic research with technology transfer. This is exemplified by joint research laboratories, particularly with Manufacture Michelin, as well as strong partnerships with the regional economy (Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes Region, close collaboration with competitiveness clusters) and research contracts with major national and international companies, leading to the development of patents.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop their own research projects in the field of biocatalysis and biotransformations, while integrating into the existing research structure and making use of the scientific and technical support services available at the ICCF.

Potential research themes include, but are not limited to:

- Discovery, engineering, and optimization of novel enzymes for organic synthesis and biotransformations,…

- Development and optimization of biocatalytic processes, including enzyme immobilization, cascade (photo)chemo-enzymatic systems, in vitro biocatalysis, and continuous-flow processes,…

- Design of innovative biocatalysts for biomass valorization and the sustainable production of high-value-added compounds, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bio-based materials,…

Early-career researcher in biocatalysis and biotransformations with at least 4–6 years of experience after your PhD, gained in academia and/or industry having demonstrated ability to secure research funding, supervise PhD students, and lead collaborative research projects.

This position is offered as fixed-term public-sector contracts with a duration of three to six years. Following an evaluation of the candidate’s scientific achievements and professional aptitude by a tenure review committee, the contract provides a pathway to a tenured position in the CNRS Director of Research corps.

The candidate will have to demonstrate their ability to lead collaborative research projects, secure research funding, supervise PhD students, provide around fifteen hours of teaching.