Project overview
Societal demands for more sustainable and efficient chemical processes are driving the development of scalable and selective synthetic methodologies. In this context, biocatalysis has become a key tool in both academia and industry, offering exceptional enzyme specificity for the synthesis of optically active compounds.
This project aims to combine biocatalytic and organometallic approaches, leveraging their complementarity in terms of selectivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
Research objectives
The PhD project is structured around two main axes:
1. Enzymatic reductions
- Interconversion of alcohols and aldehydes/ketones using ADH and KRED enzymes
- Reduction of imines (imine reductases) and C=C bonds (ene reductases)
- Reductive amination using amine dehydrogenases
Previous work in collaboration with Seqens demonstrated >99% yields and up to >99% enantiomeric excess in enzymatic reductions, highlighting the efficiency of these systems.
2. Transition metal-catalyzed asymmetric reductions
- Development of asymmetric transfer hydrogenation using Rh(III)-tethered complexes developed within the group
- Exploration of both noble and non-noble metal catalysts
- Comparative analysis with enzymatic approaches
Applications
The methodologies developed will be applied to the synthesis of bioactive molecules, including:
- Rivastigmine
- Cinacalcet
- Tegoprazan
The project is conducted in collaboration with Seqens, ensuring industrial relevance.
What you will do
- Develop enzymatic and organometallic catalytic systems
- Perform asymmetric reductions of C=O, C=N and C=C bonds
- Compare catalytic strategies and contribute to publishable research
What this PhD position offers
- Fully funded PhD position starting October 2026
- Research environment within Sorbonne Université
- Access to advanced facilities and industrial collaboration
Application details
Applications must be submitted before May 7, 2026, including two recommendation letters, via:
Contrats doctoraux de l'ED406 (concours)
Candidates with a strong background in organic chemistry, catalysis, or related fields are encouraged to apply.