M/W Postdoc In Geochemistry, Physico-Chemistry

1 Nov 2023

Job Information

Organisation/Company

CNRS

Department

Bioénergétique et ingénierie des protéines

Research Field

Chemistry

Biological sciences

Pharmacological sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

France

Application Deadline

21 Nov 2023 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

1 Dec 2023

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Join Our Research Team: Evolution of Bioenergetics, exploring the Emergence of Life Understanding the emergence of life presents a formidable challenge, marked by controversy and complexity. Many studies delve into the formation of organic molecules while overlooking the vital role of energy in the life process. Energy, a fundamental requirement for life, is supplied through the "Mitchellian" chemosmotic mechanism. This mechanism involves the conversion of redox disequilibrium to a proton motive force (pmf), which is then convert into ATP through the ATPase enzyme within a "bioenergetic membrane," or in simpler systems, into pyrophosphate via pyrophosphatase. In biological energy processes, this conversion is facilitated by transition metal clusters resembling minerals. Green rust, a mineral of particular interest, shares structural similarities with the catalytic site found in a vast superfamily of di-iron hydrolase enzymes, including methane monooxygenases. These enzymes are believed to play a role in the earliest mechanisms of free energy essential for life. We propose that green rust might have participated in chemical and electrochemical reactions on primitive Earth, crucial for the emergence of the first biological metabolism.

Our research team, BIP 09 (bioenergetics and protein engineering), is dedicated to unraveling various facets of prebiotic chemiosmosis, ranging from redox catalysis in prebiotic conditions to constructing mineral-liposome systems. In this innovative endeavor, we aim to discern the minimal parameters necessary to generate pmf.

We are seeking an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic team. This position offers an unparalleled work environment infused with multidisciplinary dimensions encompassing physics, biology, and chemistry. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to employ cutting-edge techniques such as electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse universities and laboratories in Marseille, operating at the crossroads of multiple fields. The research will be mainly be done at the laboratory of bioenergetics and protein Engineering (BIP) in the team focused on evolution of bioenergtics, where extensive expertise in bioenergetics, mineral insertion, and chemistry converge to explore the origins of life. Additionally, the role involves collaboration with CINaM, renowned for its cutting-edge microscopy and spectroscopy capabilities. You will be part of a vibrant collaborative network, benefitting from robust partnerships with leading labs in France and Europe. This collaborative synergy harnesses the collective expertise of renowned scientists specializing in the emergence of life. Your role will be instrumental in infusing fresh expertise and innovative ideas into the team. Working alongside two PhD students deeply engaged in the project, your contributions will drive groundbreaking discoveries and advance our understanding of life's emergence.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Pharmacological sciences

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

FRENCH

Level

Basic

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Biological sciences

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Pharmacological sciences

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

The ideal candidate should possess a PhD in physico-chemistry or geochemistry and demonstrate a profound interest in the emergence of life. The candidate will investigate redox catalysis in prebiotic conditions and/or explore mineral insertion into liposomes (or polymersomes or amyloids). Collaborate on multidisciplinary projects that bridge physics, biology, and chemistry. Utilize advanced techniques including electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and GC-MS for groundbreaking research. If you are passionate about the origins of life, possess a strong background in physico-chemistry or geochemistry, and are eager to contribute to cutting- edge research, we invite you to apply

Website for additional job details

https: // emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR7281-AURBIM-024/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Bioénergétique et ingénierie des protéines

Country

France

City

MARSEILLE 09

Where to apply

Website

https: // emploi.cnrs.fr/Candidat/Offre/UMR7281-AURBIM-024/Candidater.aspx

Contact

City

MARSEILLE 09

Website

https:// bip.cnrs-mrs.fr

STATUS: EXPIRED