Recrutement

The Laboratoire Lorrain de Chimie Moléculaire (L2CM, UMR CNRS 7053), located in Nancy, France, invites applications for a 24-month postdoctoral position starting April 1st, 2026, within the framework of the PEPR B-BEST French national research program.

Scientific Context

The transition toward sustainable chemical manufacturing requires innovative strategies to replace fossil-based processes with biomass-derived alternatives. Among key platform molecules, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) offers exceptional potential for the production of bio-based polymers, fuels, and fine chemicals. However, conventional catalytic oxidation routes remain energy-intensive and poorly selective.

The GQD-BIOCAT project proposes an original and integrated approach to 5-HMF valorization by combining photocatalysis and biocatalysis in a single modular reactor. The project focuses on the development of multi-catalytic hybrid materials (MCHMs), in which photocatalysts and enzymes will be co-immobilized on a common support.

Research Objectives

The recruited postdoctoral researcher will contribute mainly to:
– The design, synthesis and characterization of finely tuned graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and/or GQDs hybrid materials as visible-light-active photocatalysts.
– The selective photocatalytic oxidation of 5-HMF into key intermediates such as FDCA and DFF.

And to a lesser extent to:
– The development of hybrid photo–bio catalytic systems
– The study of structure–activity relationships and system integration challenges in coupled photo- and biocatalysis

Project Overview: The selected postdoc will contribute to the VIPRO-COMBAT project, focused on the development of photoactivatable supramolecular antiviral assemblies (Supramolecular Antiviral Dots – SADs) targeting human coronaviruses (HCoVs). These RNA-enveloped viruses cause respiratory infections ranging from mild to severe pneumonia, and to date, no specific antiviral therapy has been approved. The project’s objective is to design and synthesize supramolecular prodrugs that
remain inactive until locally triggered by viral protease activity. These constructs will incorporate antimicrobial peptides and a “Lock and Release” system, enabling site-specific activation under near-infrared light. This dual-controlled strategy ensures precise activation only within infected tissues. The approach aims to combine phototherapy with advanced light-triggered therapeutic strategies and real-time molecular monitoring, offering a functional proof-of-concept for targeted antiviral phototherapeutics.