Jobs and Fellowship Positions
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Ph.D position 2023-2026 Marseille, France
Electroenzymatic biosensor for H2 detection
PhD BIP-DGA
Laboratory: Bioenergetics and Protein Engineering (BIP), CNRS, Aix-Marseille University
Context : Within the current challenge of irreversible climate change, the search for CO2- neutral energy sources and carriers is essential. Thanks to its transient storage and restitution during peaks of energy needs via fuel cells, hydrogen appears to be a sustainable solution. However, being a light and explosive gas, hydrogen represents significant risks when stored in large quantities. In addition, hydrogen is a colorless and odorless substance that makes it impossible to be detected by our human senses. The installation of reliable, sensitive and miniaturized sensors is therefore required to detect possible leaks.
In nature, hydrogenases are very efficient and selective enzymes for H2 oxidation. We have shown in the lab that the membrane-bound Ni-Fe hydrogenase extracted from the bacterium Aquifex aeolicus has many of the essential characteristics to meet the requirements of an electrochemical H2 sensor: thermostability, affinity for H2, tolerance to O2 and CO.
Job description : Capitalizing on our fundamental knowledge of hydrogenase-based electrodes, this Ph.D position will aim at overcoming three bottlenecks: the stability of the bioelectrodes, the increase in the linear range of response and detection limit, and the sensitivity to interferents. In particular, the Ph.D will focus on i) several types of bioelectrode conditioning (T°, buffer, stabilizing adducts, renewal of enzymes), ii) new conductive matrixes as enzyme platforms developing large specific surfaces and not limiting mass transport, iii) new electrode and sensor design and operating conditions to increase the performances of the biosensor. Beyond biosensor development, electrochemical techniques alone or coupled with surface analysis methods (e-QCM, e-SPR, confocal fluorescence e-microscopy) will make it possible to advance in the fundamental knowledge of the interactions between enzyme and electrodes.
Ph.D skills: The candidate should have a Masters’ degree in chemistry, with major interest in analytical chemistry. Background/interest in electrochemistry, in 3D printing, and willing to work in a multidisciplinary environment and to learn biological approaches are highly welcome.
Applications: Candidates are invited to submit their CV, a motivation letter, copies of academic transcripts and degrees, and two recommendation letters by email to Elisabeth Lojou (lojou@imm.cnrs.fr).
Dead line 15th April 2023.
The Bioelectrochemistry and Interfaces Group at the University of São Paulo's São Carlos Institute of Chemistry (IQSC-USP), in Brazil, coordinated by Professor Frank Crespilho, has an excellent track record in the fabrication of bioelectrodes based on the modification and engineering of carbon materials with various biomolecules, including enzymes, co-enzymes, single cell organisms, to seek their practical applications in biodevices, biofuel cells and biosensors.
More recently, it has extended the expertise in the field towards the implementation of graphene and single entity electrochemistry. More positive outcomes are expected in the field through the elaboration of this project, where van der Waals surfaces on the top of monolayer graphene will be established. The new surface with the inherent properties will bring a new trend in the biosensing applications alongside the new ideas and concepts produced in interface science.
The group is offering a postdoctoral position, with scholarship funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), with a minimum period of two years, for Chemists, with strong knowledge in electrochemistry and desirable knowledge in spectroscopy, microscopy, in situ techniques, enzymatic immobilization, graphene transfer and preparation of bioelectrodes. Additionaly, the candidate is expected to develop projects with a focus on coupling the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and electrochemical techniques.
This opportunity is open to candidates of any nationalities. The selected candidate will receive a FAPESP’s Post-Doctoral fellowship in the amount of R$ 7,373.10 monthly and a research contingency fund, equivalent to 10% of the annual value of the fellowship which should be spent in items directly related to the research activity.
More information about the fellowship is at: fapesp.br/oportunidades/4094.
